ClassNK issues first “scrubber ready” notations

MARCH 24, 2017 — Classification society ClassNK has issued EGCSR-F (Exhaust Gas Cleaning System Ready Full) notations to nine ships operated by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. This notification signifies that the ships fulfill requirements for SOx scrubber retrofitting.

Following discussions on the implementation schedule of MARPOL Annex VI SOX/PM regulations at MEPC70 in October last year, all ships operating outside Emission Control Areas (ECA) will be required to limit sulfur emission levels to under 0.50% from January 1, 2020.

To enable the safe and secure retrofitting of SOx scrubbers as part of efforts to meet SOx emission limits, ClassNK joined Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd., Minaminippon Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., Sanwa Dock Co., Ltd., and Wartsila Japan Ltd. in a project to examine SOx scrubber retrofitting in ships in service .

The aim of the project is to examine the engineering of SOx scrubber retrofits applied to an in-service Pure Car Carrier. The PCC was chosen because of the technical challenges caused by the limited space in the engine room compared to other ship types.

ClassNK used the results obtained during the project and compiled them into safety requirements for retrofitting.

ClassNK confirmed that the retrofit plan developed during the project fully complied with project requirements along with corresponding class and statutory requirement, and subsequently issued the EGCS-F notation.

ClassNK is now preparing to include the requirement for the issuance of EGCSR-F to its Guideline for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems scheduled to be released in July this year.