Wartsila's 2019 deliveries of scrubbers are now almost sold out, its marine solutions president Roger Holm has said.
He told TradeWinds there may still be some room for short-term deals next year, but added: "It is starting to get extremely urgent for owners wanting 2019 deliveries."
The company has seen orders for exhaust cleaners jump in recent months.
As a result, Holm said: "I'm sure we will see many players trying to enter the market."
Overall, he viewed the company's third quarter as "a good development", with cruise and ferries particularly strong for the Finnish engine manufacturer and technology company.
Vessel forecast cloudy
Looking ahead, he said Clarksons has just lowered its vessel-ordering forecast for the next two years, leaving 2019 looking like 2018 has been.
"The last couple of years have been historically low, but luckily we have other offerings," Holm added.
"Orders need to come up, but they are coming slowly."
The company said overall new business rose to EUR 1.37bn in the third quarter, versus EUR 1.35bn in 2017, with net profit at EUR 101m ($115.6m) against EUR 82m the year before.
Revenue rose 13% to EUR 1.33bn, thanks to strong growth in newbuild marine and energy deliveries.
CEO Jaako Eskola said: "In the marine industry, the approaching IMO 2020 sulphur regulations have resulted in increased demand for exhaust gas cleaning systems.
"This boosted order intake in both Marine Solutions and Services.
"Marine Solutions’ orders were further supported by the continued high level of activity in the cruise and ferry segment."
Prospects are good for marine demand, the company said.
"Wartsila’s demand outlook is supported by its extensive product mix and broad segment exposure, which compensates for the slow pace of recovery in overall vessel contracting," it added.
The orderbook for 2018 deliveries is EUR 1.36bn, comprised mainly of equipment deliveries.
