Study concludes treating HFO is better than low-sulphur fuels

Wärtsilä Corporation has drawn its customers attention to a recent study by independent research consultant, CE Delft, which concludes that the environmental impact of exhaust gas cleaning (EGC) systems, also known as scrubbers, is less than that of using low-sulphur marine fuels.

Jasper Faber, project manager at CE Delft, commented: “This study provides a comprehensive overview of the climate impacts of different options to reduce sulphur emissions. It shows that, in many cases, the carbon footprint of using a scrubber is lower than low-sulphur fuels.”

On a well-to-wake basis, low-sulphur fuels have a raised carbon footprint because more energy is used in the refining process. The amount of CO₂ generated by refining varies widely depending on fuel quality, but marine fuels are likely to generate additional emissions in a mid-range between 1%, which is not physically possible, and 25%.

The main source of CO₂ relating to EGC systems relates to their operation, rather than system production and installation. Fuel required for their pumps typically increases CO₂ emissions by 1.5 to 3%.

Jan Othman, Wärtsilä’s vice president, Exhaust Treamment, said: “Wärtsilä has consistently demonstrated its commitment to minimising the marine sector’s carbon footprint. This shows not only in our products, but also in our manufacturing and production processes. We are delighted that this independent report confirms that when taking all things into consideration, our EGCs create less CO₂ emissions than the use of sulphur-compliant fuel.”