Port of Amsterdam to Ban Open-Loop Scrubbers from January 2025Starting 1 January 2025, the Port of Amsterdam will prohibit the use of open-loop scrubbers for seagoing vessels. These systems discharge polluted wash water into port waters, contributing to water and soil pollution. The new restriction aims to create a cleaner marine environment and advance sustainability in shipping.Understanding Scrubbers
Scrubbers, or exhaust gas cleaning systems, are used to reduce sulphur emissions from ship exhaust gases. These systems come in two types: closed-loop and open-loop. Closed-loop scrubbers collect waste materials in a tank for proper disposal, whereas open-loop scrubbers discharge polluted wash water directly into the sea, leading to environmental contamination. Furthermore, ships using scrubbers continue to rely on fuel oil, which impacts the environment.Encouraging Cleaner Alternatives
The restriction will apply to ships berthed at the port, where the discharge of polluted wash water is most concentrated. Vessels using hybrid scrubber systems will need to switch to closed-loop operation or transition to cleaner fuels, such as Marine Gas Oil, which meet stringent sulphur emissions standards.Joining Other Ports in Sustainability Efforts
In 2023, around 100 seagoing vessels equipped with open-loop scrubbers visited the Port of Amsterdam. Similar bans are already in effect at ports in Antwerp, Hamburg, France, and Scandinavia. This move aligns Amsterdam with broader global efforts to combat marine pollution.Advancing Sustainability in Shipping
Milembe Mateyo, Harbor Master at the Port of Amsterdam, commented: "With this decision, we are combating marine pollution. It marks another step toward a cleaner port and accelerates sustainability in shipping."The Port of Amsterdam’s new policy represents a significant stride in protecting marine ecosystems and promoting environmentally friendly practices within the maritime industry.
Scrubbers, or exhaust gas cleaning systems, are used to reduce sulphur emissions from ship exhaust gases. These systems come in two types: closed-loop and open-loop. Closed-loop scrubbers collect waste materials in a tank for proper disposal, whereas open-loop scrubbers discharge polluted wash water directly into the sea, leading to environmental contamination. Furthermore, ships using scrubbers continue to rely on fuel oil, which impacts the environment.Encouraging Cleaner Alternatives
The restriction will apply to ships berthed at the port, where the discharge of polluted wash water is most concentrated. Vessels using hybrid scrubber systems will need to switch to closed-loop operation or transition to cleaner fuels, such as Marine Gas Oil, which meet stringent sulphur emissions standards.Joining Other Ports in Sustainability Efforts
In 2023, around 100 seagoing vessels equipped with open-loop scrubbers visited the Port of Amsterdam. Similar bans are already in effect at ports in Antwerp, Hamburg, France, and Scandinavia. This move aligns Amsterdam with broader global efforts to combat marine pollution.Advancing Sustainability in Shipping
Milembe Mateyo, Harbor Master at the Port of Amsterdam, commented: "With this decision, we are combating marine pollution. It marks another step toward a cleaner port and accelerates sustainability in shipping."The Port of Amsterdam’s new policy represents a significant stride in protecting marine ecosystems and promoting environmentally friendly practices within the maritime industry.