Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS), commonly known as scrubbers, have been widely adopted across the global shipping fleet, with nearly 7,000 vessels now equipped with this technology. While scrubbers offer a viable method for vessels to comply with MARPOL regulations concerning sulfur emissions, an analysis of six years of claims data indicates a consistent pattern of operational problems.
The primary issues identified include significant corrosion within the scrubber systems, fire incidents, and flooding. These recurring problems highlight the inherent risks associated with the technology despite its environmental compliance benefits.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, these issues translate into potential disruptions. Vessel breakdowns or delays due to scrubber malfunctions can lead to schedule unreliability, impacting lead times and requiring adjustments to supply chain planning. Increased maintenance or repair downtime for vessels equipped with scrubbers could also affect overall fleet capacity and potentially contribute to higher operational costs for carriers, which might eventually be reflected in freight rates. Forwarders should monitor the operational reliability of vessels utilizing scrubbers, especially on critical routes.
While the article does not specify future developments, the ongoing analysis of claims data suggests a need for continuous improvement in scrubber design, installation, and maintenance protocols to mitigate these risks.