Image: DNV GL

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Classification society DNV GL has announced a new class notation for exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS). The new notation, Emission Reduction (ER), will cover not only scrubbers for removing sulphur oxide (SOx), but selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems for removing nitrogen oxide (NOx).

The new notation is due to be published in July 2018.

"As the 2020 IMO sulphur cap on fuel draws closer, we have been hearing more and more from ship owners and operators who are looking for guidance on the installation and approval of systems which reduce emissions to air," said Knut Orbeck-Nilssen, CEO of DNV GL - Maritime. "Therefore, we are very pleased to be able to offer the Emission Reduction notation to our customers. This notation will enhance the transparency of the installation and approval process for owners, the yards, and class, and give owners the confidence to invest in these systems."

DNV GL notes that the interest in installing emission reductions systems, especially scrubbers, has "risen dramatically" in recent months.

The company says that in May 2018, the total number of vessels either ordered or installed with scrubbers stood at 817 - a jump of nearly 300 vessels in a space of only a few months.

"This increase is due to several factors, but the trend is clear," remarked Stine Mundal, Head of Section for Environmental Certification at DNV GL - Maritime.

"At the same time, we are seeing that bulk and container vessels are the segments with the most installations, overtaking cruise vessels which had been the early adopters. This indicates that owners are making their solution decisions now and many are choosing scrubbers to comply with emissions restrictions."

The class notation sets out requirements for the design and arrangement of EGCS, SCR and EGR systems, including the piping systems conveying wash water and/or treatment fluids, the exhaust arrangements and components, control, monitoring and safety systems as well as manufacture, workmanship and testing.

The ER class notation is a natural complement to DNV GL's Scrubber Ready notation, released in 2016, which enabled shipowners to prepare their newbuildings for the installation of a scrubber, giving them confidence that they were prepared for a smooth and cost-efficient scrubber retrofit.

With ER, shipowners can now have the same confidence in the installation and operation of their new emission reduction systems.