DNV GL rolls out future-proofing notations

The ‘scrubber ready’ and ‘Tier III NOx ready’ notations join the society’s ‘gas ready’ notation, launched last year, in enabling ship owners and operators to prepare newbuildings for future retrofits. The Tier III NOx ready notation will be released in the second half of 2016 if the hearings process progresses as planned.

The scrubber ready notation identifies the general type and category of scrubber systems than can be installed on the vessel, as well as detailing the level of scrubber readiness. The minimum scope, attesting that the available space and future installation arrangement meet class and statutory requirements, can be expanded through to a complete review of the scrubber documentation according to main class rules, including the certification and installation of piping and sub-systems.

Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO of DNV GL – Maritime, said: “The new scrubber ready notation gives shipowners the flexibility to minimise their initial investment when ordering a newbuilding, while at the same time having the confidence that their vessels are already on the track to easy compliance with incoming emissions regulations.”

Hans Jacob Horgen, responsible engineer at DNV GL for exhaust gas cleaning rules, added: “Ship managers have to factor in many considerations when planning for a potential future scrubber installation, from space and stability requirements, to fire safety, piping, corrosion resistance, and the effect on the main engine. It is very important to have an overview of the design and an understanding of how the system will interact with the engines and auxiliary parts of the machinery system.”

The new notation is part of DNV GL’s harmonised and modernised rule set released in October.