Torm joins scrubber debate asking where superior options exist right now

From Tradewinds:

“Torm joins scrubber debate asking where superior options exist right now”

Jacob Meldgaard says scrubbers are no worse than other viable alternatives to meet IMO 2020.

November 14th, 2018 11:20 GMT

by Andy Pierce

Torm has defended the use of scrubbers on vessels to meet IMO 2020 requirements amid increased scrutiny on the merits of the technology both inside and outside the industry.

Mainstream media coverage has picked up around the use of scrubbers with some articles presenting them as a means of short-cutting regulation — causing some concern in shipping circles about publish pushback on the issue.

Jacob Meldgaard, executive director of Torm, said he is conscious of the debate and there will be a period were different views are expressed.

However, he said Torm is very comfortable that scrubbers meet regulatory requirements from IMO and does not see the exhaust cleaning systems as the end solution.

“The scrubber meets the regulatory requirements and alleviates the air pollution from sulphur. It is not so that this solution is worse than the alternatives,” Meldgaard told TradeWinds. “We can’t make shipping transportation needs disappear.”

Torm has plans to install scrubbers on up to 39 vessels and last week entered a joint venture with manufacturer ME Production and shipbuilder Guangzhou Shipyard International.

“I’m not of the opinion that in 10 or 20 years, this scrubber installation will meet the world’s requirements for the shipping sector and the environment,” Meldgaard continued.

“I think it’s a fair debate, however, I don’t think it means that it is better not to install scrubbers today.

“The industry and society as a whole need to think about what kind of transportation fuels or energy sources are required in the long-term to have environmental sustainability.”

Meldgaard said there is no scientific evidence that scrubbers are worse for the environment than viable alternatives given the existing technology.

“It is not viable to debate that everybody should use electricity, LNG or some of the other known current energy sources,” he said.

“With the options on hand, we believe scrubbers are one of the ways to go.”