OSM scrubber know-how aids IMO compliance

The coming requirement targets fuel composition but compliant fuels are either not yet widely available or costly. Scrubbing technology can ensure compliance by post-processing exhaust emissions using seawater to clean emissions of sulphuric acids.

OSM’s chief project engineer, Ilias Soultanias, said: “The IMO 2020 compliance deadline is coming fast, but the industry is still quite indecisive on which measures to take. The main advantage of using scrubbers as a compliance method is the continuous use of widely available and economical fuels instead of the compliant ones.”

All vessels are targeted in the new requirement and how to comply is a decision that all owners have to make. Since fuel is often the responsibility of the charterer, it may also be in a charterer’s interest to support an investment in scrubbers, especially for time charters.

The OSM retrofit process

To enhance its environmental services, OSM has recently recruited an environmental compliance manager and a new head of risk management and quality assurance.

“We have strengthened our team to prepare for the coming wave of environmental regulations,” said Mr Soultanias.

“We want to be fully prepared to answer questions, and to guide our clients and partners through the process of reducing their emissions and complying with international regulations,” he added.