Ecospec Secures cSOx Emission Abatement System Contract

With the fuel oil sulphur limited to 0.1% m/m in the ECA (Emission Control Areas) in 2015, Rederi AB TransAtlantic Sweden and Stora Enso OYJ, one of the world’s largest pulp and paper manufacturers have made the decision to install a Lloyds’ Register verified cSOx emission abatement systems for their vessels transporting materials along the Baltic Sea.

In line with the environment and efficiency values that Stora Enso upholds to reduce air emissions, Ecospec’s cSOx, a completely closed loop system was pursued and ultimately selected. The first vessel to undergo the cSOx installation is operated by TransAtlantic AB and managed by TransAtlantic Ship Management AB. The retrofit will take place later this year so that the vessel will be ready for compliance to the ECA regulation in 2015.

TransAtlantic AB owns and manages 25 vessels, which transports goods, primarily for the basic Nordic industrial sector using bulk, container and RORO vessels, with the Baltic Sea as its geographic base.

cSOx, a system jointly developed by Ecospec and Sembawang Shipyard , a subsidiary of Sembcorp Marine, removes SO2 (Sulphur Dioxide) in the exhaust gas to meet the low sulfur fuel emission requirement.

“Stora Enso takes pride in ensuring that processes adopted in our supply chain are efficient and meeting environmental standards. The cSOx tests show superior performance by which we will not only ensure that we comply with regulations, but also be helped in doing our part in protecting the surroundings we operate in.” Knut Hansen, SVP of Stora Enso Logistics.

“We operate in the northern Gulf of Bothnia with our ships, which mean high demands on the system for sulphur emission reduction. The system, which will run in the extreme cold fresh water and in difficult ice conditions has been a challenge. Therefore we are happy to be involved, in partnership with Stora Enso and Ecospec in the development of a solution that finally meets these requirements.” Helene Mellquist CEO Transatlantic AB

In March this year, the cSOx system was subjected to performance verification tests by Lloyd’s Register in accordance with IMO Resolution MEPC.184(59). The test results showed that gas emission reductions from the combustion of 3.31% sulphur heavy fuel oil satisfies the requirement to achieve equivalence with combusting 0.1% sulphur fuel. The system also has a proven reduction of CO2.

“Continual improvement in environmental protection and performance is one of Lloyd’s Register’s missions for serving the marine industry. Therefore, we are very pleased to be able to support Sembawang Shipyard and Ecospec in verifying the performance of their land based prototype cSOx system. We look forward to see the system in operation, helping ship owners protect the environment.” Says Mr. Ng Kean Seng, Chief Representative and Marine Country Manager for Lloyd’s Register, Singapore.

“The SOx abating capability of the system is proven by Lloyd’s Register. Semb-Eco cSOx is the socially responsible way of scrubbing exhaust gases. It does not trade off SOx reduction by emitting more CO2, thereby integrating the sustainability facet of a corporation’s Corporate Social Responsibility cause.” says Mr. Chew Hwee Hong, Managing Director of Ecospec Marine Technology.

The partnership between Sembawang Shipyard and Ecospec taps on Sembawang’s marine design and engineering expertise to offer ship owners a compact, modular EGCS that is easily retrofitted into existing vessels. Sembawang’s Marine and Offshore new building, conversion and repair expertise assures high quality engineering and project execution for fast-track turnkey EGCS installation and integration.