According to recent data, scrubber-fitted crude tankers are maintaining a strong presence in the market, with 59% of the new tankers set to use HSFO and be equipped with scrubbers. This trend is driven by the favorable economics of scrubber installations, enabling shipowners to manage SOx emissions as per IMO 2020 regulations while keeping fuel costs lower.
Fuel Choice and Vessel Readiness
Shipowners are increasingly opting for vessels that are “LNG-ready” to future-proof their fleets against evolving fuel choices. While scrubbers allow ships to use cheaper HSFO, many newbuilds are also being designed to run on cleaner fuels like LNG, methanol, or ammonia if these become more economical.
Scrubber Economics and Payback Period
The installation cost of a scrubber on a new vessel ranges from $2-5 million, with average savings dependent on fuel price differentials between VLSFO and HSFO. In scenarios where this price differential is significant, shipowners can achieve faster payback periods, with scrubber-fitted vessels earning higher charter rates than non-scrubber-fitted counterparts.
Future of Scrubber Technology
Beyond short-term cost savings, scrubbers are being adapted to capture carbon emissions, adding to their long-term financial and environmental appeal. As regulations on emissions tighten, scrubbers offer an efficient way for shipowners to manage both SOx and carbon emissions, making them an attractive investment.
This analysis indicates that scrubbers remain a prudent option for shipowners as they provide both immediate cost benefits and future regulatory compliance opportunities.
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Source: Drewry
