DHT to Install Scrubbers on Twelve VLCCs

File photo. DHT Tankers

Crude oil tanker company DHT Holdings has entered into agreements to install exhaust gas cleaning systems, also know as scrubbers, on twelve of its Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) in order to comply with the IMO’s upcoming low sulphur fuel regulations. 

DHT announced on Tuesday it has entered into agreement with Alfa Laval to supply the systems and has also secured shipyard capacity to install all systems within 2019. 

The scrubber systems will be installed on ships built between 2012 and 2004 which stand to “achieve the greatest economic benefit,” the company said. 

The twelve systems are in addition to the two systems being installed on the DHT newbuildings DHT Bronco and DHT Mustang, which are set for delivery later this quarter from Hyundai Heavy Industries.  

With Tuesday’s order, DHT will have a total of fourteen VLCCs fitted with scrubbers when the IMO Sulphur Cap will be implemented January 1, 2020.    

 “We look at the upcoming IMO Sulphur Cap as an opportunity for DHT rather than a threat,” DHT commented. “We come well prepared and are very pleased with the timely project we have put in place.  This project could potentially create a super-profit for the ships in question and boost the already significant operational leverage in DHT.”

DHT says it has received proposals to finance the majority of the project with debt and is “confident to conclude this in the near future.”   

Alfa Laval is the leading supplier of shipboard exhaust gas cleaning systems with more than 100 scrubbers in operation.                  

Starting from January 1, 2020, the International Maritime Organization will require ships to burn fuel with a sulphur content limit of 0.5 percent, down from 3.5 percent currently.

To comply with the regulation, ship owners can opt to burn more expensive low sulphur fuel oil, build or retrofit their vessels to LNG bunker fuel, or continue with heavy fuel oil using scrubbers. 

According to its website, DHT Holdings fleet currently consists of 25 VLCCs, two Aframax tankers, and the two newbuildings.