In a major development, the Hudson Shipping Lines announced that following the implementation of the IMO2020 sulphur cap on January 1, 2020, they will not employ vessels with scrubbers installed for the purpose of meeting the new IMO standards, as part of their ongoing ‘green’ initiatives, says a press release published on their website.
Not Violating the Spirit of IMO 2020 Regulations
Company President Avi Eilon stated, “We have thoroughly investigated the use and operation of exhaust gas scrubbers and have found that they simply transfer the pollution produced by vessels from the air to the ocean.” Mr. Eilon also noted that the use of these scrubbers to allow vessels to continue to burn the dirtiest forms of fuel, high-sulphur fuel oils, violates the spirit and intention of the IMO’s new fuel regulations.
Setting an example for others
“Rather than employ vessels that use ocean polluting scrubbers (which require the use of additional harsh chemical additives to work – further polluting the environment), Hudson will instead set an example for other companies in the maritime industry by exclusively burning fuels that comply with the IMO2020 regulations. These new regulations give our industry a chance to improve its impact on the environment, and Hudson is going to be a leader for the industry in moving to cleaner burning fuels”, said Eilon. It is hoped that if more companies join Hudson in using fuels that comply with the global sulphur cap that many countries and areas near the busiest shipping lanes will see significant reductions in pollution and pollution-related health conditions.
Plans To Join Compliant Fuels Supporting Organizations
Mr. Eilon noted that Hudson is looking to join and support organizations that promote the use of sulphur cap-compliant fuels and encourage ship owners to move away from ocean-polluting scrubber technologies.
Hudson Not Alone
According to a Glory Logistics report, the company’s statement coincided with the release of a Dutch study that said scrubber wash water pollution was at levels well below applicable regulatory limits, confirming an earlier study from Japan, which noted that open-loop scrubbers did not present a significant threat to the marine environment.
Hudson is not isolated in their scrubber stance, however, as ports in China and Ireland have started to implement a ban on wash water discharge, while bunkering hubs Singapore and Fujairah have announced plans to do the same starting from January 1, 2020, when the sulphur cap rule comes into force.
About Hudson
Founded in 1972, and part of the Seatrade group since 1993, Hudson is a supply chain management company with an integrated global shipping portfolio utilizing some 70 dry bulk carriers. Hudson has offices in the United States, Greece, Bulgaria, Singapore, Indonesia, China, Vietnam, the Bahamas, Mexico and Australia. Hudson is an industry leader in utilizing sustainable shipping technologies and methods; forever seeking innovative ways to moderate its impact on the planet.
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Source: Hudson Shipping , Glory Logistics
