10/18/2007
Scrubber system to eliminate SOx and PM emissions from ships
(London/Lysaker, 11 October 2007) The maritime and offshore market is being offered
global distribution of a solution able to eliminate polluting sulphur oxides (SOx and particulate matters (PM).
Wilhelmsen Maritime Services (WMS), subsidiary of the maritime industry group
Wilh. Wilhelmsen, has signed a distributor agreement with BP subsidiary Krystallon to market their SOx and PM scrubber systems in the maritime market. The solution will be sold and supported through the WMS global network.
The scrubber systems will be an important contribution in the reduction of emissions
in the maritime and offshore sector, and will greatly improve both the environment and
human health. “Through our cooperation with Krystallon we give our customers the possibility to take a green stand and contribute to a cleaner maritime industry,” says President and CEO Dag Schjerven of Wilhelmsen Maritime Services. “WMS’s unique global network makes it possible for us to supply our environment-friendly products to end-users worldwide.” SOx comprises gases harmful to human health and the environment which form during the combustion of fossil fuels. The scrubber solution is capable of reducing sulphur emissions from ships by 98%+.
The scrubbing process also removes some 80% of the particulates (PM) remaining
after combustion. PM emissions are also considered to be carcinogenic in certain micron
sizes and premature death numbers in coastal areas are now being attributed to PM
emissions from ships. Krystallon is first in the market with a commercial scrubber solution, and WMS has secured an exclusive distribution agreement for a very key segment of its market.
“This agreement will enable Krystallon to market its leading emissions abatement
technology in a more progressive manner.” says Managing Director Chris Leigh Jones of
Krystallon. “WMS have very high commercial and environmental credentials and are highly regarded in the Marine marketplace. This partnership will rightly take scrubbing to the next level of market understanding and acceptance.” The SOx and PM removal process involves a scrubber system that will be installed in the ships funnel. Sea water is pumped to the scrubber where the calcium carbonate in the water absorbs the SOx from the exhaust gas to produce harmless calcium sulphate.
The reduction of PM emissions, a growing concern for environmental groups and
health organisations, is likely to figure prominently in the next round of IMO emissions
reduction targets. The Krystallon solution discharges water extremely close to natural levels and clean from oil contamination. The scrubber systems will enable ship owners to comply with current and future legislation limiting SOx emissions from ships.
By using the scrubber system, vessels can burn high sulphur fuel and still fully
comply in sulphur emission control areas – SECAs. The IMO has defined these areas, and within them you cannot burn fuel with more that 1.5% sulphur content. The North Sea and English Channel will become a SECA in November 2007 and the Baltic Sea became an effective SECA in 2006. All ships sailing in these areas are subject to SECA limits, as are all ferries sailing between EU ports. The Krystallon solution makes it easier for government agencies and ship owners to meet future international environmental commitments.
Wilhelmsen Maritime Services AS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Wilh. Wilhelmsen group. It occupies a leading position in the global maritime service industry, and works through four business areas: Barwil Unitor Ships Service, Barber Ship Management, Unitor Ships Equipment, and Maritime Solutions & Financial Services. The company has 4 700 employees working from 352 offices in 71 nations. Through its global network, Wilhelmsen Maritime Services has the capacity to deliver products and services in 2 200 ports in 116 countries. For further details, see www.wilhelmsen.com