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Netherlands-headquartered Damen Shipyards Group has signed a sales agreement with Dutch scrubber producer AEC Maritime which means that Damen will now be able to offer AEC's IMO-certified exhaust gas scrubber technology to shipowners.

"With the inclusion of scrubber expertise to its existing knowledge of Ballast Water Treatment Systems, Damen has added an important facet to its strategy of providing ship owners with a total solution regarding the latest IMO requirements," the company said in a statement.

Flexible scrubber

AEC Maritime is a company that draws on the experience of sister company AEC Systems, whose air cleaning products for various land-based industries have been developed in close cooperation with the VDL-Group. With more than 20 years' experience, AEC Systems has installed more than 2,600 land-based scrubber systems.

In diversifying to maritime scrubber systems four years ago, AEC Maritime used the same key ideas that had proven to be successful in the land market. "Our scrubber systems focus on three strong principles," remarked AEC Maritime Chief Technical Officer, Marcel Clephas. "To make scrubber installation simple, to optimise the price of the product with the cost of installation, and, finally, to deliver reliable and low maintenance systems."

AEC's scrubbers are designed to offer ship owners flexibility as they can be installed on all types of engine. In terms of efficiency, the company's scrubbers are said to remove more than 98 percent of sulphur from exhaust gases, thus exceeding IMO requirements. The systems also comply with MARPOL Annex VI (MEPC 58 and 59).

The market is now

While AEC Maritime's scrubbers have already been adopted by various shipping companies, a factor that the company has been keen to address is its perceived lack of a maritime background. "We knew that ship owners will always need to go to a yard for a retrofit, but we discovered that clients want turnkey solutions - that include all aspects of the retrofit - to be carried out under one roof," remarked Clephas.

AEC Maritime's response was to look for a suitable maritime partner capable of offering that scope. "We are happy to have found that partner in Damen. This is an important time for the scrubber sector: in fact, the market is now."

An important combination

Talking about the advantages of the sales agreement to ship owners, Damen Director Green Solutions Marcel Karsijns said: "This will allow all activities - on-board visits, 3D-scanning, engineering, piping, project management and installation - to be executed under one roof. It will really unburden the client.

"AEC Maritime's products are fabricated with excellent materials - and they have a proven track record with numerous clients. Furthermore, their scrubbers are IMO-certified.

"Combined with Damen Shiprepair & Conversion's wealth of experience with retrofit activities - executed not only at competitive costs but with short lead times - this recognised product further strengthens Damen's 'one-stop-shop' philosophy for clients looking for comprehensive solutions."

SMM

Damen will be showcasing its scrubber technology at the upcoming SMM international maritime trade fair, which is due to take place between 6th and 9th September in Hamburg.