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The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), a provider of classification and technical services to the marine and offshore industry, has published the 'ABS Guide for SOx Scrubber Ready Vessels' [sic] to support members and clients in preparing newbuilds for future outfitting with a sulphur oxide (SOx) exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS).

Supporting the world's first classification notation for SOx scrubber-ready vessels, the guide - which ABS says is the world's first in this field - formalizes the process for clients who wish to plan for the retrofit of a SOx scrubber at a future date by providing a review and approval and an associated notation.

The SOx scrubber-ready notation is in addition to ABS EGCS notations that may be assigned for vessels fitted with an exhaust emission abatement system, including SOx scrubbers, selective catalytic reduction systems and exhaust gas recirculation arrangements for NOx emission control, in accordance with the ABS Guide for Exhaust Emission Abatement.

"The decision to build a new ship or retrofit an existing one is not simple due to uncertainty with the entry into force of the 0.5 percent global sulphur limit and cleaner fuel alternatives such as LNG," said ABS Chief Technology Officer and Senior Vice President Howard Fireman. "The new ABS SOx scrubber-ready notation provides a unique approach to future-proof assets, to implement cost-effective retrofits and to demonstrate a commitment to environmental performance."

In addition to the new ABS Guide for SOx Scrubber Ready Vessels [sic] and Guide for Exhaust Emission Abatement, ABS has also published the ABS Advisory on Exhaust Gas Scrubber Systems.