Exhaust gas scrubbers are increasingly important to the marine industry. As a result, Houlder has been working with a number of suppliers to support Ferries in managing SOx emissions and delivering an environmentally sound service to their passengers.

Jonathan Strachan (pictured), Houlder’s Project Director commented, “We have spent time working with industry and suppliers to understand the MARPOL regulations and their impact on ferry operations in particular. We are pleased to be supporting Ferry Operators and their chosen exhaust gas scrubbers suppliers to put this theory into practice – ensuring that the new engine gas scrubbers are successfully fitted and operated.”

Exhaust gas scrubbers and their auxiliary systems are to be fitted to the main engines of Ferries to enable compliance with 2015 MARPOL emission regulations for (S)ECA zones. Equipment can be installed in the engine casing and funnel. A key challenge is ensuring the scrubber units, tanks and pumps do not lead to any loss of space in lane metres, accommodation or public access.

As an independent design and engineering provider, Houlder’s capabilities centre on Engineering, 3D modelling of the pipe routing (pictured below), designing the structural support for the scrubber, writing technical specifications for the equipment and managing installation

Houlder has worked on five Alfa Laval scrubber installation design for owner/operator Vroon with more planned across their fleet.