Q&A is a series of articles in which the Sammet experts answer customer questions.

New environmental regulations to reduce maritime industry emissions came into effect on 1 January, 2020. As a business, we want to do what is best for the environment. However, we are also aware that we need to minimise our costs. What is the best method of emissions reduction – clean fuel or scrubber and damper technology?

On 1 January, 2020 tighter emission controls and limits on fuel sulphur oxide and nitrogen oxide content as set by the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (known as MARPOL, short for maritime pollution) came into effect. The changes are significant for the maritime industry as fuel sulphur content must not exceed 0.5%, down from the previous level of 3.5%. The mandatory technical and operational obligations require shipping companies to convert to clean fuel or equip their ships with appropriate exhaust gas cleaning systems, known as scrubbers.

By far, the most effective way to reduce emissions and keep costs low is to install scrubbers with appropriate damper technology. Due to internal engine design and mechanics, many ship engines do not currently support low sulphur fuel. As a result, most ships will need to clean and prepare their fuel systems and tanks before switching to low sulphur fuels. In addition to this extra investment, clean fuel is markedly more expensive and subject to the uncertainties inherent in the commodities market.

Consequently, many shipping companies are opting for regulation compliant scrubbers. Sammet’s innovative damper designs which provide greater part compatibility, efficient assembly and easier maintenance, ensure costs of compliance are minimised.

Why is it important that Clean Flow technology for ship scrubbers is of the highest quality?

Quality, or a degree of excellence, is non-negotiable for sophisticated products which impact the environment, businesses and individual safety. Any failure in the operations of a scrubber or damper risks non-compliance with regulations and expensive downtime as demanding reparation work takes place. Delays add additional pressure to resources and diverts them from more value-adding activities. Also, to monitor compliance with tighter emission rules, authorities are using advanced technology to measure and detect emission levels of vessels at sea.

To avoid any problems, high quality, reliable components with unmatched functional precision become essential. This is why quality is fundamental to everything we do at Sammet. Take, for example, our line of advanced 2-way and 3-way dampers which are integral components in clean tech and scrubber systems. Our air sealing technology provides leading edge precision so that when closed, Sammet’s Clean Flow damper will block 100% of all exhaust gas from passing through. As the market leader in industrial dampers, our technology has the highest track record of quality, reliability and precision. Currently, the most widely used technology in the world’s largest ships has been developed by Sammet.