In protection of the marine environment, many ports have already banned or limited the use of open loop scrubbers in their territorial waters; Thus, new countries emerged implementing new restrictions for vessels calling their ports.
Africa
- Egypt
Discharge of washwater from open loop scrubbers is prohibited in the Suez Canal. Gard highlights that although use of fuel with a sulphur content greater than 0.5% sulphur may be allowed without the use of scrubbers, vessels should always refer to their flag state regulations which may not allow this.
Asia
- Bahrain
Bahrain issued a marine notice PMA/03/2019 according to which discharge of washwater from open loop scrubbers is prohibited within port limits including anchorage area(s). The circular also states that vessels should obtain a permit from the Marine Safety & Environment Protection Directorate before discharging washwater anywhere in Bahrain waters.
- Hong Kong
Vessels interested in using scrubbers in Hong Kong waters, they should issue an application to the Hong Kong authorities requesting for an exemption from using compliant fuel. The exemption application must be made at least 14 days prior to a ship’s first visit to Hong Kong after 1 January 2019. For details of the exemption application process, please refer to Sections 7 to 11 of the new ‘Air Pollution Control (Fuel for Vessels) Regulation’.
- India
Scrubber washwater discharges are allowed if MEPC.259(68) criteria are met. However, local regulations must also be followed.
- Pakistan
The Government issued the circular no. 001/2020 prohibiting the discharge of washwater from open loop scrubbers in Pakistani port waters. The circular advises vessels to either change over to closed loop mode of operation or switch to compliant fuel well in advance of the vessel’s arrival in port waters.
- Fujairah
The port Authority announced that the use of open loop scrubbers will be banned in port waters.
