Page 44: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (May 2018)

“I think the biggest misconception is that scrubbers are a new, unproven tech- nology, but the reality is completely opposite of that.

Scrubbers have been used more than 50 years on land and on ships. Today we have 400-500 scrubbers on ships and they seem to be working as designed.”

Nick Confuorto, CR Ocean Engineering

I think the biggest misconception is that signed. It’s time to move on to the next ers are the same technology. This tech- Homburg, Saacke Marine Systems scrubbers are a new, unproven technol- step, and that’s moving existing projects nology has been around since the 1960s. The quickest uptake has been with the ogy, but the reality is completely oppo- through the pipeline. cruise and the passenger ships, as public site of that. Scrubbers have been used There are an estimated 60,000 vessels pressure is highest in this segment. Also, more than 50 years on land and on ships. Somers, Alfa Laval in the world ? eet that may be pros- this is a money issue. Financing for this

Today we have 400-500 scrubbers on What Nick says is true, and its important pects for scrubbers. By vessel niche, segment is easier right now, as the cruise ships and they seem to be working as de- to realize that ? ue gas scrubbers on boil- who have been early adopters sector is doing quite well.

Aakre, Wärtsilä It’s clear that the cruise industry has been the early movers. Once one of the big cruise companies start to move, you see the others follow in form. After the 2020 decision by the IMO, you are start- ing to see movement in other sectors, namely container shipping and bulk car- riers.

Somers, Alfa Laval

I would just add a few details. Correctly stated, the cruise lines have a green im- age (to uphold), driven by ECAs. There- fore cruise vessels operating in the ECAs took up scrubbers ? rst in 2015 with the reduction in Sulfur to .1%.

When talk turns to scrubbers, talk turns to cost. What is your rebut for those that say “scrubbers are too ex- pensive”?

Homburg, Saacke Marine Systems

If people do the math, they will see short payback times with the fuel price as it is now (and projected to be in the fu- ture). As we saw (during a presentation we saw earlier today, we expect a much larger price gap between the fuels (as we get closer to 2020.). As prices escalate quickly for the new fuel, even on small scrubber systems I think you will see a payback time of around 12 to 18 months.

The more fuel you are burning, the more money you will save and the faster the payback time.

Confuorto, CR Ocean Engineering

That is the perfect reply to that question.

Cost is important of course, but payback is even more important. When a client can payback the investment in 1 year, that is the key.

Aakre, Wärtsilä

Graphic Courtesy Foreship 44 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • MAY 2018

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