Claims, Counter-Claims And Science

The use of scrubbers has got to be one of the most contentious environmental issues for the shipping industry apart from the ongoing decarbonisation debate. At IMO opinions among member states are sharply divided with some opponents calling for not only open-loop systems to be banned but also closed-loop ones as well.

Those wanting to see scrubber use phased out have been buoyed up recently by Sweden’s decision to ban the use open-loop scrubbers as of 1 July this year and even of closed-loop systems as of 1 January 2029.

Meanwhile the uptake of scrubbers continues as considerable effort is put into developing scrubber technology to remove CO2 from emissions (See our Carbon Capture report on page 67). It has not escaped the notice of both sides in this argument that killing off scrubbers now would also stop progress towards carbon emission free technologies that could continue to use fossil fuels. That is anathema to some and seen as common sense by others.

Anders Skibdal, CEO of scrubber manufacturer PureteQ Group, tells World Bunkering: “Notably, 25% of newbuild vessels opt for scrubbers, while the majority of dual-fuel ships also integrate scrubber systems, indicating a pragmatic approach considering the limited availability and cost of new fuels in the foreseeable future.”

Skibdal says his company’s main business is servicing all brands of scrubbers globally. He says: “Currently, we cater to over 25% of scrubber-fitted vessels worldwide. Scrubbers are ageing so we provide comprehensive pre-inspections for impending 5-year drydockings. Our drydocking services encompass overhauling crucial components like pumps, fans, internal structures, and compliance equipment that necessitate attention when scrubbers are operational.”

Asked how the scrubber market is developing, he says: “In response to the evolving SECA status of the Mediterranean Sea, many vessel owners are upgrading their water treatment systems for longer voyages. These include PureteQ’s Purepass stand-alone filtration unit.”

“Even in Europe,” he adds, “we witness a trend of smaller vessels adopting scrubber retrofits, despite the cost disparity between HFO and low sulphur fuels.”

Is Skibdal worried attempts by some green campaigners to have scrubbers banned completely. He responds: “Scrubbers play a crucial role in enabling the installation of solvent-based Onboard Carbon Capture Systems (OCCS) on ships. With the increasing presence of EGS and ICER systems (which also incorporate scrubbers), along with the necessity of scrubbers for new fuels to address unwanted emissions, concerns are mitigated. Scrubbers serve as highly efficient technology that captures airborne emissions, converting them into a manageable form without causing pollution; the real concern lies with fuel emissions. A scientific perspective suggests that environmental advocates focus on influencing policymakers to reinforce emission regulations rather than targeting scrubbers. Shipowners may need to transition from open-loop scrubbers to hybrid or closed-loop systems. The emphasis should be on setting clear requirements, ensuring legislation, and effective monitoring to drive technology advancements in compliance with evolving limits.”

On the other hand the rhetoric against scrubbers is ramping up. Reporting Sweden’s scrubber bans the journal Offshore Energy recently wrote: “Our planet’s oceans are set to get a little bit cleaner thanks to a new ban tidying up the shipping industry in Sweden.”

It reported Romina Pourmokhtari, Sweden’s Minister for Climate and Environment, as saying: “Emissions from ship scrubbers are — even in very low concentrations — harmful to our marine environment.”

As Offshore Energy noted approvingly: “The ban in Sweden is part of a larger global effort to ban emissions from scrubbers and protect open seas worldwide. Finland’s government has already decided to prohibit scrubber water from being discharged in the ocean, and Denmark is working toward banning the practice soon as well. Yet, since oceans have no borders, pollution from scrubbers in one region has the potential to spread all over. Ultimately, a global scrubber discharge ban is needed to address the broader issue and replace heavy fuel oil with more sustainable alternatives.”