Maersk Tankers to install scrubbers on LR2 vessels

To comply with the IMO’s 2020 sulphur cap, Maersk Tankers has analysed and evaluated the possibility of installing scrubbers or using compliant fuel, assessing long-term financial viability and environmental emission factors.

“We have carried out extensive analyses while also consulting with industry specialists and relevant regulatory bodies. Based on that, installing scrubbers on selected larger-sized product tanker vessels is assessed to be a financially viable solution,” said Tommy Thomassen, Chief Technical Officer at Maersk Tankers said on Friday 1 March.

Scrubber installations on smaller-sized tanker vessel are not currently “financially viable”, the company said. Maersk Tankers’ LR2 vessels operate primarily out of the Arabian Gulf, carrying clean products to customers in North Asia and Europe.

“Maersk Tankers supports the IMO 2020 sulphur regulation and will implement it as required. However, we also recognise a need for gaining a deeper understanding of the regulation’s overall implication on the global product tanker industry,” Thomassen said.

Maersk Tankers is also ready to handle scrubbers for vessels operated in its commercial pools.