MS-SOx Scrubber system - no dry docking required, installed in 18 days

Global Echo on how the MS-SOx Scrubber system provides solutions for navigating the future of the maritime industry, even as it continues to face uncertainties with increasing emissions regulations.

To meet stringent rule regulations from the IMO, interest in eco-friendly ship technologies, especially those that can be immediately applied to operating ships, has increased. Inspiration for this move has come in the form of the Mediterranean Sea, which is scheduled to change to an ECA (Emission Control Area) in May 2025. However, there are concerns from shipowners' on the uncertainties surrounding technologies currently on the market, but the SOx Scrubber system is still considered a proven and realistic option to secure the profit of vessels.

Meanwhile, in early July, it was reported that Global Echo, known to have the most reliable SOx scrubber system to date, has signed a contract to supply the MS-SOx Scrubber on TMS Kamsarmax bulk carriers built in China. As a result, Global Echo could be providing for a total of 40 ships in 2024 alone, with the future figure increasing to nearly 110 ships.

The scrubber body has strong chemical and structural durability as it is made entirely from titanium, and dry docking is not required when retrofitting the scrubber system due to the scrubbing water volume being much less than others. Thanks to its short installation time of 14 days (in Korea) or 21 days (overseas), it is also known to be an attractive product for shipowners who are keeping an eye in high charter rates and securing additional profits from the use of HSFO.

At the end of April, the installation of the Suezmax tanker on the quay of Skramangas shipyard in Greece was completed in just 18 days, including commissioning and sea trials. And again, in mid-July, installation for another tanker is scheduled to proceed. It is said that Global Echo will attempt to shorten the installation period further, whilst maintaining high quality and performance to maximise the owner’s profit.

A variety of future technologies targeting carbon reduction and zero carbon are in the works, however, most technologies require high OPEX, CAPEX, and complex infrastructures. In terms of the fuel supply chain, it is also true that sufficient infrastructure is not yet available, and the number of experienced crews with knowledge of pre-existing infrastructures is limited. But, Global Echo is developing carbon reducing technologies differently to others, targeting easy installation and operation with a simplified system, with a potential completion date of the end of 2024, including onboard testing. Taking a similar approach to the MS-SOx Scrubber system, they seek to find the easiest and simplest way to meet CO2 emission regulations by embracing different approaches. They hope that this development will present a more realistic and immediately implementable solution for shipowners around the world.