Feature 4
Sulphur solutions put to the test
In the effort to comply with environmental legislation, SOx scrubbing
systems are gaining industry attention, but are they the most efficient
emissions reduction option, in comparison with the use of low sulphur
fuels? Clare Nicholls reports.
W
ith the recent introduction of
sulphur emission control areas
(SECAs), both in the Baltic Sea
and (from 22 November 2007) covering
the North Sea, ship operators have been
attempting to employ new technology to
meet new SOx emission requirements.
In a SECA, the sulphur content of fuel oil
used onboard ships must not exceed 1.5%m/
m. Alternatively, ships can fit an exhaust gas
cleaning system.
This can be achieved using low sulphur
fuel, or by cleaning exhaust gases using SOx
scrubbers, or by a combination of both.
Holland America Line has been a leading
light in investigating scrubber solutions,
having installed a Krystallon seawater
scrubber aboard the cruiseship Zaandam. Photograph by Reg Natarajan.
The equipment is fitted to one of the five Holland America Line vessel Zaandam has had a scrubber installed aboard since April
diesel generators aboard the 61,396gt, 1432- 2007.
passenger vessel. The scrubber has reportedly
been working well since its installation in
April 2007, and an evaluation report on Another producer of scrubbing systems he said. ‘That doesn’t really help. What also
both the unit and vessel performance will also claims to have garnered a high level of emerges is carbon dioxide, which again adds
be made available in the near future. customer interest. Robert Clarke from Marine to the pollution bill what was subtracted
However, with a price of US$2 million Exhaust Solutions noted that the company is before.’ It was for this technical reason
attached to the installation, the cost of currently waiting for the final approval for its that Dr Klein added his voice to the lobby
scrubber systems might be seen as a technology by IMO, which should take place gathering around tanker industry association
stumbling block for anyone considering at MEPC57 in March 2008, where IMO’s wash Intertanko, saying he preferred to advocate
the technology. Set against this, fuel prices water guidelines should be defined. sulphur removal at the source, in the form of
have been rising continuously, and still more low sulphur fuel.
expensive low sulphur fuel may prompt Debate over by-products Such reservations were dismissed out
owners to consider the scrubbing option in To remove SOx and PM, sea water is pumped of hand by Andy Osbourne, business
numbers. into scrubbers, where the calcium carbonate development manager at Krystallon. Of the
Krystallon is certainly preparing for growth, in the water absorbs the SOx from the exhaust mooted changes in acidity, he said: ‘No known
by expanding its distribution capabilities. It gas to produce calcium sulphate and CO . environmental harm is caused by such small
2
has signed an agreement with Wilhelmsen The reaction neutralises the acidity of SOx changes.’ Supporting this point of view, it
Maritime Services to globally distribute its and consumes some of the buffering capacity might be noted that the Zaandam project is
SOx and PM reduction technology. of the sea water. Adding scrubbed sulphur to supported by the US EPA, among others.
Krystallon managing director Chris Leigh the sea does change its acidity, although there With SECAs requiring sulphur emissions
Jones said of the deal: ‘This agreement will is evidence to suggest that, in sea water, the of a maximum of 1.5%, and proposed
enable Krystallon to market its leading change is virtually undetectable. regulations slated to reduce this amount
emissions abatement technology in a more However, GL member of the executive even further, it is clear that the debate will
progressive manner. This partnership will board, Dr Hermann J Klein does not agree continue, as sulphur reduction technology
rightly take scrubbing to the next level of with this assessment. ‘When sulphur dioxide continues to play a part in making ships
market understanding and acceptance.’ reacts with sea water, toxic substances emerge,’ greener. NA
The Naval Architect January 2008 79
NA Jan -
p79.indd 79 04/01/2008 15:57:04
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