Erik Haveman, Global Sales Director, EGCS, Alfa Laval, insists on scrubbers for compliance with the 2020 Sulphur Cap, highlighting that the experience of manufacturers can help anticipate all challenges during system retrofitting. As explained, Alfa Laval has already been prepared for the new regulations, by taking a complete ‘forward-thinking approach’ to fuel line optimization.
SAFETY4SEA: What are the key challenges to consider during the installation process of scrubbers?
Erik Haveman: The key factors for proper installation of a scrubber system retrofitting are the selection of the right yard, the right engineering company and the right scrubber supplier. Experience is also important; in Alfa Laval we have more than 50 years of experience in marine scrubbers, with 267 scrubbers sold, and 50% of these retrofit.
S4S: What are the key barriers for the operators to invest in scrubbers?
E.H.: The key driver is return on the investment and the fuel price difference as it is right now makes the scrubber business case very compelling. But there are also other factors that determine if a customer should go for scrubbers and the manufacturer can help them with these.
S4S: What are your priorities towards the 2020 deadline?
E.H.: The Sulphur cap did not come as a surprise to us. Before the 2016 ratification of the global Sulphur cap, we started preparation and our business case is based on the fact that we anticipate 5,000 vessels to have scrubbers installed by 2025. After 2016, we started ramping up our organization significantly to meet that number. Meanwhile, we are monitoring the market development to adapt where necessary.
S4S: Do you believe that the industry is ready to comply with the new regulations until the given deadline?
E.H.: The 1st of January 2020 is approaching fast so the industry need to make decisions fast. If they select the scrubber for compliance, our advice is to go for an experienced reliable supplier that guarantees compliance.
View herebelow the video interview with Erik Haveman, Global Sales Director, EGCS, Alfa Laval at SMM 2018, September 4-7, Hamburg, Germany.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.
