Malaysia Prohibits Use Of Open-Loop Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems, CSA 2020 Disappointed

The Clean Shipping Alliance 2020 members have expessed their disappointment about the decision of Malaysia to prohibit the usage of open loop exhaust gas cleaning systems in its coastal waters.

The Malaysia Shipping Notice (MSN 07/2019) was published on the 12th November. It stated that the ships calling to Malaysian Ports are suggested to change to compliant or move to closed-loop/hybrid systems before moving into Malaysian waters and ports.

“We are disappointed in this announcement,” said CSA 2020 Chairman Capt. Mike Kaczmarek. “The decision will impact not only our member shipping companies, but over 200 other international shipping companies that have announced their intent to install scrubbers as an accepted means of compliance under MARPOL Annex VI.

“We will of course comply with these national rules, however, we do not understand the reasoning or timing, with the global sulphur cap deadline just weeks away and with the IMO already embarked on a comprehensive evaluation of the environmental impact of exhaust gas cleaning systems in ports.

“We don’t know what’s behind this decision by the Malaysian Marine Department, but it was not likely science-based, as there is no evidence that would clearly support it. There also were no collaborative discussions with their global shipping partners, many of whom are very experienced with these systems.”

At the CSA2020 Technical Conference which was held in Brussels, Dr. Elizabeth Lindstad, Chief Scientist, SINTEF Ocean, said that the usage of HFO+EGCS not only emits air of better quality than the ships that operate on compliant fuel but also has a positive effect on the reduction of global emissions which comprises greenhouse gases.

Ian Adams, Executive Director, CSA 2020, said: “There are multiple credible studies just released during the last year that confirm the quality of washwater from exhaust gas cleaning systems, and clearly demonstrate that they have negligible environmental impact on the ocean or port environments”

“What makes this announcement so surprising is that the scientific evidence is there, and it is clear that the positive net environmental benefit from ships operating open loop in Malaysian waters would play an important role in Malaysian maritime sustainability plans.”

Reference: CSA