The Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems Association (EGCSA) was launched March 30 to provide a sustainable operating environment within the marine industry for exhaust gas cleaning system technologies.
The EGCSA has been formed from companies and organizational divisions that manufacture exhaust gas cleaning systems for the marine sector. The founder companies of the association are Aalborg Industries, Clean Marine, Krystallon, Marine Exhaust Solutions, and Wartsila. The EGCSA will also include membership from companies in associated sectors that support technology solutions to reduce exhaust gas air pollution from ships.
The association recognizes that exhaust gas cleaning technology for the marine sector has recently been given regulatory approval from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and has been established to provide a rational voice for the now unified sector. The EGSCA intends to work closely with the marine and energy industries and regulatory bodies, as well as governments, NGOs and environmental groups to create a standardized regulatory framework for the development of exhaust gas cleaning systems.
In addition, the newly-formed organization will look to provide a centre for technical information, impartial advice, opinion and information around the issues and challenges related to emissions reduction and exhaust gas cleaning systems.
Exhaust gas cleaning systems for marine applications are typically viewed as Scubber systems to reduce Sulphur Oxide (SOx) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems to reduce Nitrogen Oxide (NOx). Both SOx and NOx have been identified as pollutants to be targeted under IMO regulations to reduce harmful emissions from ship fuel. The EGCSA will also highlight that other pollutants, not yet targeted by regulators such as Particulate Matter, can be greatly-reduced through exhaust gas cleaning technologies, while the association would also look to incorporate new and innovative exhaust gas cleaning systems as they develop.
Donald Gregory, Director, EGCSA, said “Marine exhaust gas cleaning systems offer a viable, sustainable and cost-effective alternative to switching from High Sulphur bunker fuel to Low Sulphur bunker fuel and, eventually, distillate fuel.
“Given the anticipated demand of 22 million tonnes of distillates that is required in Europe alone by 2015 for the shipping sector, marine gas systems provide an invaluable resource to offset tight demand and higher fuel costs for both ship owners and operators.”
“Marine exhaust gas cleaning systems manufacturers must be, and are willing to, engage with the shipping industry to demonstrate and prove the reliability, availability and value of their technologies. They clearly have a major role to play in reducing harmful emissions, but it is vital that the market is presented with the right information as to the benefits that they provide and the progress that needs to be made to develop the technology accordingly.”
(www.egcsa.com)