Thu 31 Aug 2017, 12:53 GMT

ClassNK updates Guidelines for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems


Guidelines include standards for the installation of scrubbers which are based on the findings of joint research projects.



Classification society ClassNK has released the second version of its Guidelines for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems.

Based on the first version released in August 2014, the new guidelines include the results of joint research and testing on actual exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCSs), also known as scrubbers.

ClassNK says the updated version comes at a time when there is "growing interest in exhaust gas cleaning systems installation stemming from stricter global sulphur limits".

The Japanese organization points out that the use of scrubbers in conjunction with high-sulphur bunkers is one way of ensuring compliance with current and upcoming regulations - the other being to use compliant fuel.

MARPOL Annex VI regulation currently limits the maximum sulphur content in marine fuel worldwide, as well as placing stricter requirements in geographically defined Emission Control Areas (ECA). Additionally, last October, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) determined that a global sulphur limit of 0.5 percent will be implemented on January 1, 2020.

As well as providing interpretations of the updated IMO guidelines, the second version also incorporates standards for the installation of scrubbers which are based on the findings of joint research projects. These research projects are said to include trial tests of exhaust gas cleaning systems on board actual ships, and design trials.

The updated version also includes requirements for obtaining class notations, which signify that a ship fulfils the necessary requirements for the installation of scrubbers.

Version two of Guidelines for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems is available free of charge to registered users at ClassNK's website, classnk.com.


Graphic promoting Auramarine webinar titled 'Sustainable Fueling Part 3: Ammonia - next alternative fuel in marine'. Auramarine to host webinar on ammonia as marine fuel in April  

Finnish firm will explore ammonia’s role in maritime decarbonisation at its third spring webinar.

Front cover of study by WinGD and Envision Energy titled 'Renewable Fuel Economics: An OPEX illustration based on current costs'. Green ammonia could reach cost parity with VLSFO and LNG by 2050, study finds  

WinGD and Envision Energy study projects green ammonia operational costs competitive with conventional marine fuels.

Elenger Marine's LNG bunkering vessel Optimus alongside Brittany Ferries’ Saint-Malo. Bureau Veritas verifies methane emissions on Brittany Ferries’ LNG vessels  

Verification enables ferry operator to report measured methane slip instead of regulatory default values.

Map showing existing and planned Emission Control Areas (ECAs). Alliance calls for urgent black carbon action as new Arctic emission control areas take effect  

Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea ECAs now in force, with compliance deadline set for March 2027.

Artistic impression of battery-electric ferry for operation on Perth’s Swan River. Lloyd’s Register to class Western Australia’s first electric ferry fleet  

Echo Marine Group partners with Lloyd’s Register on five battery-electric ferries for Perth’s Swan River.

Thomas Kazakos, secretary general of The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS). ICS condemns Middle East shipping attacks as 20,000 seafarers remain trapped  

Industry body calls for urgent state action to resupply vessels and enable crew changes.

Molslinjen ferry illustration. Molslinjen order propels Australia to top of battery vessel production rankings  

Danish ferry operator’s three-catamaran order at Incat Tasmania shifts global manufacturing landscape, analysis shows.

Petrobras logo. Petrobras doubles invoiced price of MGO and LSMGO  

Export tax by Brazil's federal government forces Petrobras to double distillate invoice values.

Bunkering of Viking Line's Viking Glory by a Gasum vessel in Turku, Finland. Gasum renews FuelEU Maritime pooling partnerships with Viking Line and Wallenius SOL  

Nordic energy company extends compliance pooling arrangements with two shipping companies operating bio-LNG vessels.

Naming ceremony for CMA CGM Carmen on 18 March 2026. CMA CGM names methanol-powered container ship CMA CGM Carmen  

French shipping line christens 15,000-teu vessel as part of its alternative fuel fleet expansion.