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Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line), the Monohakobi Technology Institute (MTI) and ClassNK have teamed up with Singapore-based Nanyang Technological University and Sembcorp Marine Technology Pte. Ltd. for research on an exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS) intended to be used to control sulphur oxide (SOx) emissions outside Emission Control Areas (ECAs).

This joint research project between Singapore and Japan is to be funded by a grant from the Singapore Maritime Institute and carried out with the support of the ClassNK Joint R&D for Industry Program.

Unlike the development of EGCSs intended for use inside ECAs, the project is to focus on the future need to comply with SOx emissions regulations outside ECAs after 2020 or 2025.

Working with an unnamed EGCS manufacturer, the project partners intend to utilize the most advanced technology available to simplify EGCS operations, as well as reduce costs and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions compared with existing conventional EGCSs for ECAs.

The project will also aim to promote the development of new technologies for system installation, such as simplification and miniaturization, in order to ensure that the system can be installed on a variety of ship types, as well as newbuildings and existing vessels.

"NYK, MTI, and ClassNK will continue their efforts, ahead of international regulations, in the research and development of beneficial environmental measures," the project partners said in a statement.