DFDS scrubbers in the ro-ro-fleet

[Pieter_Inpijn]

I think that DFDS has now completed the installation of scrubbers on its modern ro-ro-cargovessels.
The sisters Britannia / Selandia / Suecia Seaways have an installation between the funnels.
In the Ficaria / Magnolia / Petunia / Primula / Begonia / Freesia

[davidships]

All this investment in scrubbers is to be applauded, but it may all turn out to be in vain and a waste of money. After years of trying to find the best technical solutions for the removal of sulphur from exhausts, the European Commission has now stated that wash water discharges may not be permitted under the directive on water quality.

There has been much concern over the uncertainty surrounding wash water discharges and whether they would be allowed in light of the EU Water Framework Directive (covers waters out to the 12 mile limit).  Some Member States (MS) state that they will accept such discharges whereas others (eg Belgium) have a zero tolerance regime.  Almost all MS present supported industry in pressing for a harmonised approach and grandfathering to be allowed for those early movers that have fitted scrubbers.  

However, a senior member of the Water Framework unit within DG ENV stated that open loop scrubbers were not a sensible way forward.  Closed loop scrubbers also have discharges so they probably will not offer an acceptable way forward either.  When questioned about grandfathering in light of costs involved, investments made etc she was equally uncompromising stating that scrubber manufacturers knew, or should have known, the implications of the Water Framework Directive

http://www.ukchamberofshipping.com/news/2015/07/29/policy-update-uk-chamber-july-2015/

[simonwp]

DFDS had completed all the scrubber additions on vessels where they figured it was technically possible and cost efficient. However the Scottish Government have now said they will make a contribution to fitting a scrubber to FINLANDIA SEAWAYS, which wasn't in the original programme.

Mixed messages from the EU on this one, DFDS and other, mainly, ferry companies that have fitted scrubbers have obtained grants originating from the EU to do this, while other EU departments are saying that scrubbers shouldn't be used because of the waste water discharges. I suppose we shouldn't be surprised................