Scrubber (EGCS) compliance

Scrubber (EGCS) compliance

To reduce air-polluting sulphur emissions, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) introduced a global limit on sulphur content of marine fuels from 1 January 2020.

Installing an Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS), commonly known as scrubbers, on a vessel is only part of the compliance pathway. True scrubber compliance depends on the ability to continuously measure, document, and demonstrate emissions performance under real operating conditions – not just at commissioning, but throughout the vessel’s entire lifecycle.

By continuously monitoring SO2 and CO2 emissions directly in the exhaust stream, vessels can reliably verify MARPOL compliance in emission control areas (ECA) according to the IMO Global Sulphur Cap 2020 under all operating conditions.

The challenge

Scrubber compliance is challenging, requiring vessels to continuously demonstrate that sulphur emissions are effectively reduced under all operating conditions to meet the IMO regulations.

In practice, the harsh marine environment places significant demands on scrubber monitoring equipment, where complex maintenance routines and frequent service needs can drive up lifecycle costs and increase crew workload.

Danfoss IXA scrubber CEMS application, MES 1002, addresses these challenges by simplifying compliance through reliable, continuous SO2 and CO2 monitoring and enabling easy onboard maintenance.

This reduces operational service interventions, lowers operating costs, and ensures consistent, compliant scrubber performance under all operating conditions over time.

Avoid compliance risks with continuous emission monitoring

For vessels operating with exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS), regulatory compliance depends on continuous and well-documented emissions monitoring. Demonstrating compliance with sulphur limits requires uninterrupted measurement of exhaust gas parameters, ensuring that emissions remain within IMO-equivalent limits at all times.

This places strict demands on monitoring equipment: scrubber CEMS applications must operate reliably without interruption, and any deviations or system issues must be detected and addressed immediately to avoid compliance risks.

Reliable and cost-efficient scrubber compliance

The Danfoss IXA scrubber CEMS (MES 1002) provides accurate, real-time measurement of SO2 and CO2 directly in the exhaust stream – enabling a reliable and cost-efficient way to verify and document compliance.Using the SO2/CO2 ratio, scrubber performance is continuously and objectively assessed, ensuring emissions remain within regulatory limits. Clear, traceable emissions data supports inspections and authorities, while continuous verification builds confidence in scrubber performance over time and reduces the risk of compliance issues, delays, and reporting gaps.

Lower OPEX

Crew-friendly maintenance for onboard crew eliminating costly external technician visits

Easy Installation

Single-unit requiring only power, air and data connection.

Accurate & Reliable

Ensures accurate and reliable continuous measurements and fast response times – keeping compliance operations run smoothly.

Proven MARPOL compliance

Meets MARPOL MEPC.340(77) and MEPC.259(68).

Lower costs. Simpler operations. Reliable scrubber compliance.

That was the business case behind the Dole plc’s decision to adopt the MES 1002 scrubber CEMS application. Dole’s in-house ship management division, Reefership Marine Services, needed to reduce the total cost of ownership of their scrubber CEMS without compromising MARPOL compliance.

Director Vessel Management at Dole

Mr. Akshaye Arora, Director Vessel Management at Dole, highlights the benefits:“Our previous CEMS performed well in the beginning, but maintenance costs climbed steadily over time – to the point where a change became the only sensible decision. The transition to MES 1002 was smooth, and the technical support from Danfoss IXA during installation and commissioning on Dole Pacific was first-class. We are very pleased with the system’s performance.”

Ready to lower costs with a crew friendly scrubber CEMS application?

Contact our experts to find the right setup for your vessel and operational needs.