Tue 28 Feb 2017, 00:02 GMT

Scrubbers installed on 60 Carnival ships


Company says it is on track to deploy scrubber systems on more than 85 vessels by 2020.



Carnival Corporation & plc says it has completed the installation and certification of exhaust gas cleaning systems on 60 ships across its brands.

Representing a $400 million investment to date, the company says it is on track to develop and deploy its systems on more than 85 vessels across its global fleet by 2020.

First announced in 2013, the company engineered a proprietary technology to function in the confined spaces of a cruise ship to reduce sulphur compounds and particulate matter from a ship's engine exhaust at any operating state of a ship - at sea, during maneuvering and in port.

The systems enable Carnival Corporation to meet international regulations that place a cap on the sulphur content of fuel oil at 0.1 percent. In addition to mitigating costs for low-sulphur fuel, the systems further the company's sustainability goals to continue reducing carbon emissions.

"Our exhaust gas cleaning systems represent advanced environmental technology, and underscore our company's strong commitment to responsible sustainability practices," said Mike Kaczmarek, vice president of corporate marine technology for Carnival Corporation.

"Due to the success we have had with improving air quality with our systems, we have expanded our commitment to install and deploy this technology from an original 32 vessels to over 85 through the end of 2020. This is part of our ongoing focus on evaluating new technologies, employing new shipbuilding techniques and implementing energy-saving initiatives throughout our fleet to protect the health and vitality of the oceans, seas and communities in which we operate."

Carnival Corporation's exhaust gas cleaning systems, known for their ability to clean - or 'scrub' - exhaust from high-sulphur fuel, are currently installed and certified on 17 Carnival Cruise Line vessels, 13 Holland America Line vessels, 10 Princess Cruises vessels, seven Costa Cruises vessels, five AIDA Cruises vessels, four P&O Cruises UK vessels, three Cunard vessels and one P&O Cruises Australia vessel.

The sulphur reduction program is in line with other steps Carnival Corporation has taken to reduce its carbon footprint, including the adoption of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

In 2015, AIDAsol from the company's AIDA Cruises brand was the first cruise ship in the world to be supplied with power by an LNG Hybrid barge and, last year, the newly delivered AIDAprima became the first cruise ship to routinely use LNG with a dual-fuel powered engine while in port. By 2019, with the introduction of the first of seven fully LNG-powered vessels, Carnival Corporation is set to be the first cruise company in the world to use LNG to power cruise ships both while they are in port and on the open sea.

"With the International Maritime Organization, the Cruise Lines Industry Association and various government organizations all calling for improved efficiency in clean operations, we see the installation of exhaust cleaning systems and use of clean fuels as steps to future-proof our fleet," said Kaczmarek. "We are proud to be ahead of the curve in meeting the upcoming regulations and guidelines."


Varsha Sudheer, Island Oil. Island Oil appoints Varsha Sudheer as senior trader in Dubai  

Marine fuel supplier strengthens trading platform with new hire at recently established UAE hub.

Bitoil Group logo. Bitoil Group seeks bunker trader for Dubai operations  

Dubai-based company is recruiting for a senior bunker trader role to manage global fuel sales and procurement.

Hiring concept with puzzle pieces and a magnifying glass. Uni-Fuels seeks bunker traders for new London operation  

Singapore-headquartered firm advertises position as part of UK expansion.

Hiring concept with puzzle pieces. Uni-Fuels seeks bunker traders for new Piraeus office  

Nasdaq-listed marine fuel provider advertises positions as part of expansion into Greek market.

Sleipner RoRo vessel render. Wing sails could cut fuel use by 9% on expedition cruise vessels, study finds  

Wallenius Marine and Salén Ship Management examine wind propulsion potential beyond cargo shipping.

C-Flexer RoRo vessel render. Stena RoRo orders C-Flexer RoRo vessels with battery-hybrid propulsion for 2029 delivery  

Swedish shipowner places order with China Merchants Industry for next-generation vessels designed by NAOS.

IMO Technical Seminar on Marine Biofuels graphic. IMO to host technical seminar on marine biofuels in February  

Event at London headquarters will examine recent experiences and future prospects for biofuels in shipping.

Maritime Cleantech Enabling Ammonia Bunkering seminar graphic. H2SITE to present ammonia cracking technology at Bergen maritime seminar  

Spanish firm to showcase dual-environment hydrogen production system for vessels and ports at Maritime CleanTech event.

The Arctic and black carbon graphic. Clean Arctic Alliance urges Canada, Iceland and Norway to back polar fuels proposal at IMO  

Environmental coalition calls on three Arctic nations to support Denmark-led measure on black carbon emissions.

Valenciaport and Port of Santos MoU signing. Valencia and Santos ports establish green corridor to decarbonise transatlantic trade  

Ports sign agreement to promote low-emission fuels and shore power on Europe–South America route.