DNV GL has launched a brand new class notation that supports ship owners in making their newbuild vessels “scrubber-ready”. DNV GL Maritime chief executive Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen introduced the scrubber-ready notation during a recent press event at the Baltic Exchange, London.
Acknowledging that exhaust gas cleaning is a technology that is set to stand firm in the industry, DNV GL have continued their efforts to support ship owners in future proofing their vessels in order to stay a step ahead of future regulation.
The notation can be awarded to ships that have planned and partly prepared for the installation of an exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS) for the removal of SOx at a later date and identifies the general type and category of scrubber systems than can be installed on the vessel.
It also details the level of scrubber readiness, with the minimum scope attesting that the space available and future installation arrangement meets class and statutory requirements. This can be expanded to include more extensive preparations, through to a complete review of the scrubber documentation according to main class rules, including the certification and installation of piping and sub-systems.
For shipyards, working with the SCRUBBER READY standard gives an easy framework within which to offer future-ready ship designs to the market.
“There is no doubt that stricter emissions regulations for sulphur oxides are here to stay,” says Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO at DNV GL – Maritime. “This new SCRUBBER READY class notation gives ship owners the flexibility to minimise their initial investment when ordering a newbuilding, while at the same time having the confidence that their vessels are already on the track to easy compliance with incoming emissions regulations,” he adds.
