Wärtsilä Corporation has recently announced a new contract to supply its cutting-edge carbon capture and storage-ready scrubber systems, known as CCS-Ready scrubbers, for three container ships owned by German operator Leonhardt & Blumberg. This innovative solution will ensure that the vessels remain compliant with current SOx emissions regulations while also paving the way for easy adoption of CCS technology in the future. This project marks one of the first retrofit initiatives in the maritime industry that is specifically prepared for CCS implementation, showcasing the forward-thinking approach of both Wärtsilä and Leonhardt & Blumberg.
The implementation of Wärtsilä’s scrubber systems not only reduces operational costs for the vessels by enabling them to use cheaper fuel (HFO) but also significantly lowers the ships’ carbon footprint in alignment with the industry’s decarbonization goals. Tim Goettsche, Fleetmanager at Leonhardt & Blumberg, expressed enthusiasm about the retrofit project, emphasizing the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through advanced technology like CCS. By investing in this advanced exhaust treatment system, Leonhardt & Blumberg is taking proactive steps to ensure compliance with future regulatory requirements and contribute to environmental sustainability.
The scrubbers are termed CCS-Ready because Wärtsilä will conduct additional design and engineering work during installation to accommodate future retrofits of a full CCS system on the vessels. The integrated CCS system, when combined with the scrubber system, focuses on removing various pollutants from the exhaust in a modular fashion. This approach allows for the safe storage and disposal of carbon onboard upon arrival at port, further enhancing the environmental benefits of the technology.
Sigurd Jenssen, Director of Exhaust Treatment at Wärtsilä Marine, emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering sustainable solutions to customers through the CCS-Ready scrubber technology. With extensive testing over the past few years, this technology leverages Wärtsilä’s expertise and experience to make significant contributions to reducing the shipping industry’s environmental impact.
The three container vessels, each with a capacity of 3600 TEU, will be equipped with a CCS-Ready, Vessel General Permit (VGP)-compliant, 27.5 MW Wärtsilä scrubber system. This flexible solution ensures regulatory compliance regardless of the vessels’ operating locations worldwide. The fast-track delivery of these systems, starting in September of this year, will be facilitated by Greentec Marine Engineering, a specialized company in marine and offshore engineering services.
In conclusion, Wärtsilä’s collaboration with Leonhardt & Blumberg to implement CCS-Ready scrubber technology exemplifies the industry’s shift towards sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. By investing in innovative solutions like these scrubbers, companies can not only meet existing regulatory requirements but also prepare for future environmental challenges and contribute to a greener future for the maritime sector.