Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) received class society approval after it completed a project that saw nine of its car carriers equipped with exhaust gas scrubbers.
MOL said it received "classification character" from ClassNK on the scrubber project. The classification character approves and outlines MOL's installation procedures for scrubbers.
ClassNK will also publish results of the study in its guidelines for the installation and use of scrubbers.
Last year, MOL chief executive Junichiro Ikeda announced last year the study which would equip in-service vessels with scrubbers as it readied for the coming low-sulphur emissions regulations in 2020. Scrubbers are one path to meeting those rules, instead of using low-sulphur marine gasoil.
Shipowners are still wondering what effect the new rules will have on fuel prices, especially considering that low-sulphur fuel is scarcer than high-sulphur bunker fuel. Star Bulk Carriers chief financial officer Hamish Norton said at a recent investor conference that fuel costs could double as a result of the new regulations.
MOL said it targeted in-service car carriers for the study due to their being more technically challenging to add scrubber systems, compared to other types of vessels and newbuildings.
Minaminippon Shipbuilding, Sanwa Dock and Wartsila Japan also participated in the study.
