Scrubber System Installation: Ensuring MARPOL Compliance and Sustainable Marine Emissions

In response to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2020 global sulphur cap regulation, the maritime industry has increasingly turned to Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS)—commonly known as scrubbers—to comply with emission standards while continuing to use cost-effective high-sulfur fuel oil (HSFO).

At Serden Ship Supply Marine Electric & Electronics Ltd., we provide end-to-end Scrubber System Installation services including feasibility analysis, mechanical and electrical integration, automation, commissioning, and post-installation support. Our experienced engineers ensure that each system is tailored to your vessel’s specifications and fully compliant with IMO MARPOL Annex VI regulations.

 What Is a Scrubber System?

A scrubber system is an exhaust gas treatment unit that removes sulfur oxides (SOx) from the ship's engine and boiler emissions before releasing them into the atmosphere. Scrubbers help vessels comply with the 0.50% global sulfur limit without switching to more expensive low-sulfur fuels.

 Types of Scrubber Systems We Install:

1. Open Loop Scrubber

   • Uses seawater to neutralize SOx

   • Cost-effective for vessels in open seas

   • Discharge water is monitored for pH, turbidity, and PAH levels

2. Closed Loop Scrubber

   • Uses freshwater with an alkaline additive (e.g., caustic soda)

   • Suitable for operation in restricted or zero-discharge areas

3. Hybrid Scrubber

   • Combines open and closed loop operations

   • Offers maximum operational flexibility

We support retrofitting scrubbers on existing vessels as well as installation on new builds.

 Our Scrubber Installation Services Include:

1. Feasibility Study & Onboard Survey

• Vessel assessment for machinery space, uptakes, and routing

• Power supply and load analysis

• Integration assessment with existing exhaust and monitoring systems

• Compliance planning for port and flag state regulations

2. Engineering & Design

• 2D/3D layout drawings and system schematics

• P&ID creation and approval

• Exhaust gas routing and structural modifications

• Electrical interface schematics (MCC, PLC, HMI)

• Integration with Alarm Monitoring System (AMS)

3. Mechanical Installation

• Ducting fabrication and fitting

• Scrubber tower placement and mounting

• Pumps, sensors, valves, and piping installation

• Water treatment and discharge handling units

• Seawater or freshwater loop setup

4. Electrical & Automation Integration

• Power panel installation

• Motor starter and VFD setups

• PLC control cabinet design and configuration

• Sensor wiring for SOx, pH, flow, and discharge monitoring

• Remote control and HMI screen setup

• Data logging, alarm, and shutdown logic integration

5. Commissioning & Testing

• Cold and hot system testing

• Water quality discharge validation (pH, PAH, turbidity)

• SOx removal efficiency testing

• System start/stop automation testing

• Class society witnessing and approval

• Crew training and operational manual delivery

 Brands & Systems We Work With:

We are experienced in the installation of leading scrubber systems, including:

• Wärtislä

• Alfa Laval

• Yara Marine

• Ecospray

• Langh Tech

• Hyundai Global Service

• PureSOx

• CR Ocean Engineering

• Puyier

 Regulatory & Environmental Compliance

All scrubber installations by Serden Ship Supply comply with:

• IMO MARPOL Annex VI (Regulations 14 & 4)

• IMO MEPC 259(68) and MEPC 340(77) guidelines

• Flag state and port state controls (PSC)

• EGCS Guidelines (Resolution MEPC.184(59))

• Discharge water limits for pH, PAH, and turbidity

We also assist with:

• Washwater discharge logs

• Port compliance documentation

• Class approvals (DNV, BV, ABS, LR, RINA, etc.)

 Key System Features

• Real-time exhaust gas SOx monitoring

• Automated pH & PAH discharge sensors

• Flow and temperature measurement

• Fail-safe shutdown logic

• Alarm history and diagnostics interface

• Compliance data logging and remote access

• Hybrid mode switching automation

 Application Areas

Our scrubber installation services are ideal for:

• Container vessels

• Bulk carriers

• Ro-Ro and Ro-Pax ferries

• Cruise ships

• Tankers and LNG vessels

• Offshore support vessels

• Mega yachts and luxury vessels

 Retrofit Projects with Minimal Downtime

Retrofitting a scrubber system is complex and time-sensitive. Serden manages this process efficiently through:

• Drydock or in-port installation planning

• Pre-fabrication of major components

• Onboard integration in parallel with other shipyard works

• Modular system installation for faster setup

• Clear project milestones and daily reporting

 Training & Documentation

We provide full crew training on:

• System operation and control

• Maintenance and cleaning routines

• Environmental monitoring and logging

• Troubleshooting and emergency handling

And deliver complete documentation including:

• P&IDs

• Electrical schematics

• User and maintenance manuals

• Calibration certificates

• Class compliance documents

 Why Choose Serden?

•  Over 30 years of marine electrical & systems expertise

•  Multidisciplinary engineering team

•  Support for all major scrubber types and brands

•  Turnkey delivery – from survey to commissioning

•  24/7 global technical support

•  Class-certified processes and documentation

 Ensure Emission Compliance — Install a Scrubber with Serden

With rising fuel costs and tightening environmental regulations, installing a scrubber is not just about compliance—it’s about protecting your investment. Let Serden Ship Supply help you navigate this transformation with expertise, speed, and reliability.