NYK to Team with ClassNK and Others to Develop Technologically Advanced Exhaust Gas Cleaning System

17 December, 2014 – Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line), the Monohakobi Technology Institute (MTI), which is an NYK Group company, and ClassNK have teamed up with Singapore-based Nanyang Technological University and Sembcorp Marine Technology Pte. Ltd. for research on an exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS)* intended to be used to control SOx emissions** outside emission control areas (ECAs).

This joint research project between Singapore and Japan will be funded by a grant from the Singapore Maritime Institute and carried out with the support of the ClassNK Joint R&D for Industry Program.***

Unlike the development of EGCSs intended for use inside ECAs, this research will focus on the future need to comply with SOx emissions regulations outside ECAs after 2020 or 2025. Working with a leading EGCS manufacturer, the project will utilize the most advanced technology available to simplify EGCS operations, as well as reduce costs and CO2 emissions compared with existing conventional EGCSs for ECAs. The project will also aim to promote the development of new technologies for system installation such as simplification and miniaturization, in order to ensure that the system can be installed on a variety of ship types, as well as newbuildings and existing vessels.

NYK, MTI, and ClassNK will continue their efforts, ahead of international regulations, in the research and development of beneficial environmental measures.

* Exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS)
A system that removes harmful substances, such as SOx and particulate matter, by spraying the exhaust gas in the scrubber with wash water and then treating the used wash water.

** SOx emissions
The requirements applicable to ships for controlling air pollutant emissions are becoming stricter every year. In particular, regulations aimed at reducing SOx emissions from vessels are becoming ever more stringent.

– Within Emission Control Areas (ECAs)
Emission limits of sulfur in fuel oils used in ECAs, which are mostly located off Europe and North America, will fall from the current 1.0% to 0.1% from January 1, 2015.
– Outside ECAs
Emission limits will fall from the current limit of 3.5% to 0.5% in 2020 or 2025. (The exact year will be determined by 2018.)

*** ClassNK Joint R&D for Industry Program
The ClassNK Joint R&D for Industry Program provides research support and funding for joint research projects that address challenges faced by the maritime industry.

About the organizations

NYK Line
Head Office: 3-2 Marunouchi 2-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Representative: Yasumi Kudo, President

Monohakobi Technology Institute
Head Office: 3-2 Marunouchi 2-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Representative: Makoto Igarashi, President

ClassNK
Head Office: 4-7 Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Representative: Noboru Ueda, Chairman

Nanyang Technological University
Head Office: 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore
Representative: Subodh Mhaisalkar, Professor

Sembcorp Marine Technology Pte. Ltd.
Head Office: 29 Tanjong Kling Road, Singapore 628054
Representative: Seow Tan Hong, President