On 27 October, the delegates to the MEPC70 meeting in London agreed to implement a global fuel sulphur cap as of 1 January 2020. While the cap will create a 0.5% fuel sulphur limit worldwide, it does not necessitate a switch to low-sulphur fuel. With an Alfa Laval PureSOx scrubber, ship owners can continue using residual fuels and maintain their existing fuel economy.

The MEPC's announcement of a global fuel sulphur cap in 2020 has been met with immediate concern. Ship owners have questions not only about the availability of compliant 0.5%S fuel, but also about the likely difference in price compared to today's bunker fuel. Using the Alfa Laval PureSOx scrubber platform, however, they can effectively avoid both issues.

Alfa Laval – René Diks, Manager Marketing & Sales, Exhaust Gas Cleaning at Alfa Laval

“Scrubbers are an approved means of meeting fuel sulphur limits without switching from residual fuels,” says René Diks, Manager Marketing & Sales, Exhaust Gas Cleaning. “By cleaning sulphur compounds from the exhaust gas, they provide full compliance while protecting the vessel's fuel economy. Alfa Laval PureSOx has been doing this for many years in Emission Control Areas, where the sulphur emission limits are far stricter than 0.5%.”

A complete solution for global compliance

Today's Alfa Laval PureSOx platform is fully prepared for 2020, offering a range of systems to meet different compliance needs. PureSOx Global, which specifically targets the 0.5%S global limit, is a streamlined scrubber optimized for open seas. Yet it uses the same proven technology as PureSOx ECA, which provides 0.1%S compliance in Emission Control Areas. For vessels whose sailing profile is more varied, there is also PureSOx Flex, which offers both 0.1%S and 0.5%S compliance modes.

“All PureSOx systems are available in open-loop, closed-loop and hybrid arrangements, with either U-design or inline I-design scrubbers,” says Diks. “With such a complete range of compliance options and technical possibilities, Alfa Laval can secure a compact, cost-effective solution to help nearly any vessel secure fuel economy. PureSOx is a clear route to competitive compliance, even after the 2020 global cap.”

Decisions on the route to SOx compliance

Alfa Laval PureSOx platform

PureSOx U- and I-design

Alfa Laval PureSOx platform

Source: Alfa Laval