Maersk Tankers to Install Scrubbers on Select LR2 Product Tankers

File photo: Maersk Tankers

Maersk Tankers will invest in four scrubber systems to be installed on selected LR2 vessels in the Maersk Product Tanker fleet before January 2020.

The scrubbers systems will help Maersk Tanker comply the upcoming IMO sulphur cap regulation, which limit the sulphur content in fuel oil used on board vessels globally to a maximum of 0.50% from the current 3.50% limit January 2020. As a result, from January 1, 2020, the global shipping fleet will be required either to have scrubbers installed on board or to use compliant fuel with a maximum sulphur content of 0.5% (outside Emission Control Areas (ECAs)).

Maersk Tankers says it has analyzed and evaluated various options for compliance with the regulations, taking into account the long-term financial viability of available options and potential environmental impact. \

The scrubber systems will be installed on one existing LR2 vessel, as well as three LR2 newbuildings within the Maersk Product Tanker fleet.

The company stated, however, that installing scrubbers on smaller-sized tanker vessel is not currently deemed financially viable.

“Maersk Tankers supports the IMO 2020 sulphur regulation and will implement it as required. However, we also recognise a need for gaining a deeper understanding of the regulation’s overall implication on the global product tanker industry,” said Tommy Thomassen, Chief Technical Officer at Maersk Tankers.

Maersk Tankers further stated that the company is also ready to handle scrubbers for the vessels that are operated in its commercial pools.

Maersk Tankers operates 164 product tanker vessels across five segments: Intermediate, Handy, MR, LR2 and Aframax. The company also has a newbuild program consisting of 25 new vessels in the MR and LR2 segments

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