Selection of Exhaust Scrubber: Concept for Optimal Solution

Abstract

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) through Annex VI of Marpol Convention sets 0.1% sulphur oxides (SO x) limits by 2015 in the Emission Control Area (ECA) and globally 0.5% by 2020. These restrictions will bring not only considerable financial problems but also technical challenges for shipowners. In order to comply with the said limits and achieve the best possible economic and technological results it is very important to make a well-founded decision both for existing ships and new ships in the conceptual design phase. According to ship characteristics, the design of a scrubber system will be determined by its operating profile. There is no way to avoid extra ship operation, administration and organisation costs no matter which solution will be chosen. Therefore, the most efficient solution in the context of a particular ship is of paramount importance. The article proposes a concept to be used for SO x scrubber system selection in the conceptual design phase, by analysing technical parameters, relevant to particular ship.