JoshTek Marine’s expert wash water testing for IMO & US VGP regulations.
Maritime transport is pivotal in global trade, transporting over 80% of goods by sea. However, it also faces environmental challenges. Ships consume approximately 21% of the world’s fuel, and their emissions contribute to air pollution. These emissions include 20% nitrogen oxides (NOx), which can lead to algal blooms in the marine environment; 10% sulfur oxides (SOx); 8% particulate matter (PM); and 2.5% carbon dioxide (CO2) greenhouse gases (GHGs) trap heat in the atmosphere. These emissions can harm the health of coastal communities and lead to problems such as acid rain and smog.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s MARPOL Annex VI convention sets a maximum sulfur cap of 3.5%. ECAs and SECAs (Sulphur Emission Control Areas) have a stricter sulfur content compliance of 1% to 0.5%. Therefore, ships sailing to these zero-emission areas must switch from heavy fuel oil (HFO) to marine gas oil (MGO) or install an EGCS to reduce air pollution. EGCSs, or SOx scrubbers, are mainly used to reduce 95% of contaminants from ship exhaust emissions.
The main engine and auxiliary generators on ships combust fuel and lubricants to produce exhaust pollutants. Open-loop scrubbers use seawater, to scavenge SO2, SO3, NO2, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and PAHs. Open-loop systems tremendously remove these pollutants, and release the clean gas to the atmosphere. Removed solids are stored for shoreside disposal. (USEPA, 2009a). Two types of samples, INLET and DISCHARGE, need to be collected for analysis.
Closed-type scrubbers with fresh water with caustic soda are used for scrubbing and neutralization. Three type of samples INLET, UNTREATED, DICHARGE, need to be collected for analysis. A low pH can be harmful to marine life. So, the IMO Guidelines & EPA set a minimum pH of 6.5 for wash water discharge.
Dry scrubbers use solid media to capture SOx from exhaust gas and form Gypsum component. The Part 2.2.26 2013 VGP requires two measurements in the first year of permit coverage or system operation, whichever is later.The test is to be conducted once a year.
A hybrid scrubber combines both open-loop and closed-loop modes. Open-loop mode reduces operating costs, Hybrid scrubbers can use seawater or freshwater These scrubbers comply with ECA & SECA control region.
Sample Parameter | EPA Testing Method |
|---|---|
Dissolved Metals | EPA-200.8 or EPA-200.98 |
Total Metals | EPA-200.8 or EPA-200.9a |
Nitrate/Nitrite | Nitrate/Nitrite EPA 353.2 |
PAHs | EPA-550.1, EPA- 610, EPA-625, EPA-8100, EPA- 8270c or EPA- 8310 |
Oil Index | EPA 8015C |
pH | SM 4500-H B |
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