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The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), a provider of classification and technical services to the marine and offshore industries, has updated its 'ABS Advisory on Exhaust Gas Scrubber Systems' (Scrubber Advisory) to help the industry prepare for the IMO's 2020 global sulphur cap.

"As I meet with owners and operators around the globe, there is a common focus on how best to comply with the upcoming global sulphur cap," commented ABS Executive Vice President for Global Marine Dr. Kirsi Tikka. "This Advisory provides in-depth guidance on scrubber technology selection and comes just as the marine industry is weighing the right compliance options for their fleets."

With the impending 0.5 percent global cap on the sulphur content of marine fuel due to be implemented in 2020, the installation of exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS), commonly referred to as scrubbers, is a potential solution for owners looking to comply with the upcoming regulation.

The updated advisory includes background on air emission regulations and explores the different types of scrubber technologies available, along with the associated installation and operational challenges for each.

"As we close in on 2020, scrubbers are under increasing consideration as a solution for many vessels," remarked ABS Director of Environmental Performance, Thomas Kirk. "By utilizing this Advisory to understand the unique characteristics of the available scrubber technologies, the marine industry will be able to make smarter decisions on the future of their fleets."

ABS introduced the world's first scrubber-ready notation, providing guidance for owners planning to retrofit their vessel with a SOx scrubber at a future date.

ABS also published the 'ABS Guide for Exhaust Emission Abatement', which applies to vessels fitted with an exhaust emission abatement system, including SOx scrubbers, selective catalytic reduction systems and exhaust gas recirculation for nitrous oxide (NOx) emission control.

ABS says it is able to provide further support by completing a techno-economic analysis. This involves examining the impact of capital and operating expenses to determine the life cycle cost of the installation, providing critical information to support vessel owners and operators in the decision making process.

The 48-page ABS Advisory on Exhaust Gas Scrubber Systems can be viewed and downloaded by clicking here.