Newbuild Shuttle Tankers Feature Hybrid EGCS

The 120,000 dwt. tankers, Eagle Barents and Eagle Bergen, delivered from Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI), are fitted with Class and Flag State approved exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS) provided by Clean Marine.

Measurements of exhaust gas emission and washwater criteria are well below the limits required by the IMO, ensuring the vessels’ compliancy with the 0.1% sulphur limit in ECAs which has been in force since January 1 of this year. The vessels are also compliant with the stricter US EPA requirements of a pH above 6 in washwater, measured at the outlet.

The vessels’ Class Society DNV GL, on behalf of the Bahamian Flag, has confirmed that the EGCS complies with “Scheme B – EGC System Approval, Survey and Certification Using Continuous Monitoring of SOx Emissions” of the IMO Resolution MEPC.184(59), 2009 Guidelines for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems.

The approved EGCS will enable the new shuttle tankers to comply with current and future legislation relating to sulphur emissions without switching to more expensive fuels.

The two sisterships are owned by AET Sea Shuttle AS, and will operate on a long-term contract with Statoil in the harsh conditions of the Barents and North Sea. Both vessels will be technically managed by OSM Maritime Group, which specializes in offshore and ship management activities in the Norwegian continental shelf region.

Clean Marine’s Allstream exhaust gas handling system onboard the sister vessels will clean both sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter emissions from two main engines, five auxiliary engines, and three boilers. In total, each single Clean Marine EGCS unit will manage 10 exhaust sources and clean 220,000 kilograms of exhaust per hour.

The system is a hybrid type which can operate seamlessly in both Open Loop and in Closed Loop (zero discharge mode) and provides near-neutral pH in washwater discharged in Open Loop.

Heejun Park, Research Engineer at the renowned Korean yard Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI), said, "SHI is proud to be a leader in the integration of eco-friendly technologies to vessels; in particular installation of EGCS and building tanker vessels to the highest technological and environmental standards available.

“The hybrid EGCS provided by Clean Marine is a cost-efficient and futureproof solution which enables vessels to trade in all waters and ports well within IMO and local regulations. All engines, including the boilers, are integrated in one single scrubbing unit, without any back pressure, due to a patented gas recirculation technology. This Allstream feature makes the system a preferred choice for tanker vessels with many exhaust sources and large oil-fired boilers.

“We are confident that EGCS will play an important role in moving the shipping industry to comply with the current sulphur regulations in ECAs, as well as with the global cap in 2020, in a cost competitive manner.

“Through this first hybrid scrubber project to a newbuilding with a state-of-the-art EGCS, we have gained valuable technological knowledge and experience. We are now experienced in the arrangement design, installation, integration and operation of EGCS, including commissioning and sea trials.”