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The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), a leading provider of maritime classification services, has announced the release of the ABS Advisory on Exhaust Gas Scrubber Systems, which is designed to help vessel owners and operators assess the viability of utilizing exhaust scrubbers to meet current and forthcoming environmental requirements.

"As the industry seeks solutions for increasingly stringent low sulphur fuel requirements, owners and operators should fully understand the impact of the regulations and properly assess available technologies. Fuel switching, which is frequently utilized in Emission Control Areas today is not expected to be a viable option in the future. Exhaust gas scrubber systems, use of higher priced low sulphur fuels and alternative fuels are among the options available to address emission requirements, but challenges remain in identifying the most suitable technology," ABS said.

Howard Fireman, ABS Vice President for Operational and Environmental Performance, commented: “Owners and operators mindful of stringent low sulphur fuel oil requirements are seeking cost-effective solutions that best meet their expected operating profile. This Advisory highlights the relevant regulatory and technical considerations that should be taken into account when making decisions on how to comply with emissions requirements."

Fireman added: "The first step towards compliance is to develop a thorough understanding of regulations and then review available technologies. The Advisory has been developed specifically for that process. Once the options are identified, owners and operators must find the most cost-effective solution that fits within their expected operating profile and ABS is here to assist with such techno-economic analysis."

In addition to the Advisory on Exhaust Gas Scrubber Systems, ABS has previously published the Fuel Switching Advisory Notice and the Guide for Propulsion and Auxiliary Systems for Gas Fueled Ships that are designed to help assess and develop solutions to meet emissions requirements.