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Japanese classification society Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) has announced that it has released Guidelines for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems. The guidelines cover class safety requirements as well as safety requirements stipulated in the IMO guidelines.

In a statement, ClassNK said: "The MARPOL Convention Annex VI has placed phased limits on the maximum allowable amount of sulphur in fuel oils used by vessels globally, as well as stricter requirements in geographically defined emission control areas. Under the regulation, more stringent limits will be enforced over time.

"In the face of these more stringent limits, the industry has begun to look towards alternative solutions to the expensive low sulphur content fuel oils currently required by the regulations. Exhaust gas cleaning systems, which reduce the amount of sulphur in vessel emissions, are one such technology.

"The use of such systems requires approval from relevant authorities in accordance with guidelines issued by the IMO, and today a number of such systems are being developed and installed in line with the IMO guidelines.

"In order to support industry efforts to install and operate IMO guideline-compliant exhaust gas cleaning systems, ClassNK joined with Japan’s National Maritime Research Institute (NMRI) to develop the new Guidelines for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems, which offers comprehensive explanations of the contents of the IMO guidelines. The easy-to-understand guidelines also compile the relevant safety requirements and other essential information related to the installation and operation of such systems.

"The Guidelines for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems are available free of charge via ClassNK’s website www.classnk.com for those who have registered for the ClassNK 'My Page' service. To register for the 'My Page' service free of charge, go to ClassNK's website and click on the 'My Page Login' button."