Stena Bulk to fit up to 21 ships with scrubbers
The large tanker owner has revealed it has chosen to fit about 20% of its fleet with Shanghai Bluesoul Environmental Technology’s abatement technology to comply with the 0.5% sulphur cap, which takes effect on January 1, 2020. The company believes it is protecting itself against potential fuel price volatility and compliant fuel shortages.
Swedish owner has agreed to fit 15 tankers with scrubbers and has options for six more installations before 2020.
STENA Bulk will equip up to 21 of its tankers with scrubbers to comply with the 2020 sulphur cap.
The Swedish company, which controls about 110 vessels, has agreed to fit 15 of its suezmax and IMOIIMAX vessels with Shanghai Bluesoul Environmental Technology’s scrubbers and has options for six more installations before 2020.
The scrubbers are open loop and hybrid ready with water cleaning facilities, which Stena claimed can also eradicate particle emissions, aside from just sulphur emissions.
“By installing scrubbers, we will be well equipped to meet the 2020 regulation and are protected from price volatility as well as fuel shortage,” Stena Bulk chief executive Erik Hannel said.
The company did not disclose the cost of the deal.
The tanker owner is the latest in a growing list of companies who are revealing deals to fit part, or all, of their fleet with scrubbers ahead of 2020.
Scrubber installations are bought on the expectation of a quick payback shortly after 2020, when the price of compliant fuel is expected to be significantly higher than that of heavy fuel oil. According to some commentators, the availability of compliant fuel is not guaranteed.