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Dutch ship owner and operator, Royal Wagenborg, has ordered Wärtsilä scrubber systems to clean the exhaust emissions from two of its ro-ro carriers, the Balticborg and Bothniaborg.

They are set to be Wärtsilä's first deliveries of its scrubber systems to Royal Wagenborg. The contract was signed in March.

Commenting on the news, Egbert Vuursteen, CEO of Royal Wagenborg, said: "We have enjoyed a successful business relationship with Wärtsilä for many years and have selected Wärtsilä solutions for many vessels in our fleet. This relationship was one of the reasons that we decided that Wärtsilä would be the supplier for these scrubber systems."

By installing the scrubber systems, Wärtsilä says the vessels will comply with the regulations covering emissions of sulphur oxides (SOx) while using conventional residual marine fuel (HFO).

The Balticborg and Bothniaborg are employed on a long-term freight contract with Smurfit Kappa for the weekly shipment of paper products between Haraholmen, Bremen, Sheerness and Terneuzen. These operating routes fall within the Baltic and North Sea Sulphur Emission Control Areas (SECA). The retrofitting of these systems is due to take place in the autumn of this year.

The systems chosen for these vessels are Wärtsilä Hybrid Scrubbers, which enable the use of either closed or open-loop technology to remove SOx from the exhaust. When operating in open-loop mode, exhaust gases enter the system and are sprayed with seawater. The sulphur oxides in the exhaust react with the water to form sulphuric acid. Chemicals are not required since the natural alkalinity of seawater neutralizes the acid. When operating in closed-loop mode, the natural alkalinity of seawater is boosted by an alkali. The hybrid approach enables operation in closed-loop mode when required, for instance whilst in port and during manoeuvring using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as a buffer. When at sea, the switch can be made to open loop using only seawater.

"Wärtsilä's experience in scrubber systems for marine applications is unmatched and our reference list is extensive. We have worked closely with Royal Wagenborg for many years, and have clearly demonstrated our capability to deliver a reliable technical solution that will enable these vessels to comply with the most stringent environmental legislation," remarked Juha Kytölä, Vice President, Environmental Solutions, Wärtsilä Ship Power.

The Balticborg and Bothniaborg are both powered by Wärtsilä 46 main engines. The vessels have 1A super Ice Class classification and are designed to operate in temperatures of up to minus 25 degrees centigrade. The ability to operate in these extreme conditions was also included in the specifications for the scrubber systems.

Royal Wagenborg operates some 180 vessels, of which 70 are fully owned by the company.

Image: Balticborg vessel, operated by Royal Wagenborg.