ZEME Sets New Global Records for Scrubber Installations

The need for shipping companies to address emission levels are increasing with new regulations being put in place. Scrubbing technology has become a way to conform to these regulations making it a compelling investment for many ship owners. In June, Zhejiang Energy Marine Environmental Technology (ZEME) set a new company and global record: becoming the first turnkey service supplier capable of delivering scrubbers for 21 ships in one month.

Founded in 2018, ZEME is committed to providing environmentally sustainable products and services globally. We are the best and biggest provincial energy enterprise in China, with the largest installed capacity, the most diverse asset scale together with the most comprehensive types of energy. Our scrubbing technology is world-leading with up to 99.2 percent efficiency and low energy consumption. This year alone, ZEME has already had 150 new orders valued at $500 million.

Comprehensive service

The retrofit design optimization is an important factor in determining the installation period. The scrubber design, installation and equipment are covered by our turn-key contract. ZEME relies on a robust experience with the delivery of nearly 80 EPC projects. The design team continuously gathers information to form standardized 3D scans and draw out customized designs. An 8,200 TEU container ship, MV Tianping, contracted by Zhejiang Energy Marine Environmental Technology (ZEME), completed its first hybrid scrubber retrofit project at Shoushan Huafeng shipyard. The installation ended in December and was a complete success in a global record-breaking time of 33 days. MV Tianping was built in 2006 with a total length of 334m and a draft of 9.7m.

The hybrid scrubber is a complex technology, but ZEME’s open loop, closed loop and hybrid scrubber designs are able to keep it simple and efficient while complying with the latest emissions standards. In a closed loop system, magnesium hydroxide alkali is used along with a simple bleed off water treatment system to remove particulate matter from the scrubbing water while the clean water is discharged overboard. The ZEME scrubber also has highly reliable monitoring equipment. Our state of the art electrical and automation system makes it exceptionally reliable and efficient.

Our customers are top priority

Our customers are all treated with the principle that “All customers’ needs are a must.” During the first half of 2022, under unprecedented circumstances after another outbreak of COVID-19, ZEME did not suspend any projects. We consistently strive to achieve installation with no additional time and cost to our customers locally and worldwide. It is our goal to make an effort to service our customers at every turn.

ZEME is distinctive in our resource integration, and it has separated us from other suppliers. We have not only established stable partnerships with well-known suppliers like NOV and other world-renowned shipyards, but also opened a global installation network.

Domestically we have three shipyards specializing in our scrubber technology installation works, CSSC Guangzhou Wenchong shipyard, Zhoushan Huafeng Shipyard and DSIC Changxingdao Shipyard.

Internationally, we have partnerships with several shipyards in Turkey, Oman, Singapore, and the Baltic Sea. We make it easy for ship owners to receive our services worldwide.

“After receiving the news that the Tianping ship entered the factory, we realized that this was an opportunity, we appreciated the trust of the ship owner, and a great responsibility” says the manager of the marketing department. “Our customers are world-class. They have a very professional understanding of the ship and provide us with a lot of valuable opinions on the design and equipment selection. The company serves our customers from the marketing, procurement, project and after-sales departments. Every week our ZEME team carries out internal production coordination to ensure the timely supply of material; external customer meetings to ensure the progress and quality meet our customer requirements. 24/7 service is our commitment.”

Reliable product

Based on 20 years of experience in the industry and first prize in national technical invention, the scrubber system developed by ZEME is more advanced than the existing technologies. We have created a new method of SO2 absorption using seawater with multi-factor regulation and high-speed liquid redistribution component to enhance the precise regulation of gas-liquid ratio.

The scrubbing efficiency is more than 99 percent, making it much better than the most stringent IMO regulations. Our system capacity is adjusted to the load of the engines during the ship's navigation, and the wash water tower creates a small pressure drop which meets the limits without any obstruction. The ZEME scrubber weighs less and occupies less space, saving on investment and leaving more room for cargo.

ZEME is currently on track to become the largest scrubber service provider in the world. We hold a global record of 33 days for installation of our hybrid scrubber and 18 days for our open loop scrubbers. ZEME has continuously progressed to achieve excellence, and we have moved from 60 days for an installation to 45, then to 33! We constantly refresh our own modifications to set an industry benchmark. It has brought confidence and economic benefits to our shipowners and customers.

A thousand-mile trip begins with one step. With our goal to make our scrubber the best, ZEME will consistently work with our partners to expand our territory and provide our customers with the best service and products. We will work to produce creative and practical solutions for building a greener, cleaner ocean and environment.

This article is sponsored by ZEME.