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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.