Where Are Open-Loop Scrubbers Banned?

Environmental restrictions are adopted worldwide to secure a sustainable future and comply with the UN SDGs. This also applies increasingly to the shipping industry as several countries have banned the discharge of wash water from open-loop scrubbers. Let us elaborate on which countries have adopted a prohibition.

An open-loop scrubber decreases air pollution but discharges sulfuric scrubber wash water containing gaseous and particulate emissions removed from the exhaust gases into the sea. More ports adopt stricter environmental regulations to fight ocean acidification, making it difficult for vessels to operate with an open-loop scrubber. As of today, more than 120 ports worldwide have banned open-loop scrubber discharge. In November 2020, the European Parliament’s environmental committee voted to out-phase and banned open-loop scrubbers. Prohibition mainly applies in high-traffic areas, such as ports and canals. According to Safety4Sea, it is prohibited to discharge scrubber wash water or have an open-loop scrubber in many ports and territorial waters, including:

Bahrain (within port limit)
Belgium (ports and inland waters)
Belize (ports and territorial waters)
Bermuda (territorial waters)
Brazil (specific ports)
China (territorial waters)
Egypt (Suez Canal)
Finland (Specific ports)
France (specific ports)
Germany (inland waters and ports bordering inland waters)
Ghana (territorial waters)
Gibraltar (local waters)
India (specific ports)
Ireland (specific ports)
Kenya (within port limit)
Lithuania (port waters)
Malaysia (territorial waters)
Norway (heritage fjords)
Oman (territorial waters)
Pakistan (within port limits)
Panama (the Panama Canal)
Portugal (port waters)
Qatar (territorial waters)
Saudi Arabia (within port limits)
Scotland (within the ports of Forth and Tay)
Singapore (within port limits)
Spain (within the port of Algeciras)
Sweden (within the port of Brofjorden)
UAE (within Fujairah and Abu Dhabi port limits)
USA (within Connecticut port waters, Californian waters, and Port of Seattle)

Please be aware that this information is to the best of our knowledge and is for guidance only. For current and definitive information, contact the local authorities or agents.

Continuously Development in Restrictions

These are only some of the ports and territorial waters. The restrictions continue to develop rapidly. In June 2022, the IMO published that the MEPC agreed to designate the entire Mediterranean Sea as an emission control area, meaning that ships will – from 2025 – must comply with more stringent controls on sulfur oxide emissions. Soon, many more global ports are expected to join the ban on open-loop scrubber discharge to protect sensitive waters from ocean acidification and embark on a sustainable future.

If a vessel with an open-loop scrubber wants to enter some of the listed areas, it will have to convert to a hybrid or closed-loop scrubber. Alternatively, it can switch to a more expensive compliant fuel containing less sulfur.

Although local regulations are a great start, it is just the beginning. Therefore, it is also expected that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) will sanction a new work plan.

By installing or converting to a closed-loop scrubber, you take an active part in reducing pollution for a better world. Likewise, you are prepared for future regulations, guaranteeing that you can continue your operation without interruptions.

How do I comply with the IMO 2020 sulfur cap?

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