Image: DNV GL

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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) in a move designed to offer deeper insights into the installation of scrubbers and operational considerations for existing vessels.

With the impending implementation of the 0.5 percent global cap on the sulphur content of marine fuel 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 52-page advisory provides background on the different types of available scrubber technologies along with the associated installation and operational challenges during new construction and the retrofitting of existing vessels.

"Many in the industry are still evaluating their 2020 global sulphur cap compliance options, trying to determine their most cost-effective and operationally suitable solution," commented ABS Senior Vice President Technology and Engineering, Derek Novak.

"As the 2020 compliance deadline nears, we are seeing an uptick in new orders for scrubbers for both new construction and existing vessels," he added.

Novak's words are supported by a recent survey by the Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems Association (EGCSA), which also reveals a rise in the number of scrubbers installed or on order.

ABS previously 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 (SCR) and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems for nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission control.

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

Last month, ABS released the Advisory on Marine Fuel Oil, providing technical guidance on a range of topics, from fuel properties to operational risks to potential preparations. It is designed to help owners and operators understand the implications of different marine fuels and make smarter decisions on the operation of their fleets.

ABS noted that 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 scrubber installation, providing key information for owners and operators in the decision-making process.

The full 52-page ABS Advisory on Exhaust Gas Scrubber Systems can be viewed and downloaded by clicking here.