Design & Installation of 70MW Scrubber systems successfully during COVID!

The shipping industry all over the globe has a few options to comply with the mandated, IMO 2020 - reduction of SOx emissions. The vessel can switch to use a compliant fuel with lower sulphur content, an alternative fuel (e.g. LNG, methanol), or clean its exhaust gases with a "Scrubber" technology to reduce the output of SOx. Depending on vessel route and commercial viability study, a decision is made on which option to follow.

VEDAM understands and adapts the impending requirement in the shipping industry. As a leading ship design organisation, we have designed to fit a wide range of Scrubber Systems meeting the requirements of regulatory bodies/administration/owners focusing for a cleaner & safer environment in future.

VEDAM is proud to be part of the success story of our reputed client on installation of “Mitsubishi” open loop scrubber system amid the COVID crisis. The installations were carried out in China for 6 vessels within an extent of 3-4 months.

Project Insight

• The particular project was one of the biggest vessel in the series/fleet with high installed power & exhaust gas flow rate which required close coordination with all the concerned parties (Owner, Client, Mitsubishi) during concept design.
• The Mitsubishi scrubber tower selected for this project was one of the biggest scrubber towers which we had worked upon. The scrubber tower was fabricated and installed in 3 modules due to its massive size.
• Our team of experienced professionals (Comprising of Naval Architects, Engineers, Scanning team) had conducted onboard surveys to ensure that the vessel is properly scanned using our in-house 3D scanner capable of capturing high quality scans which is a key element in any retrofit design.
• Post survey, various feasibility studies were carried out and a high quality survey report was prepared consisting of possible equipment locations, scan details, important observations and shared with the client which was a base document for the entire retrofit.
• Care was taken to ensure that the cargo operation won’t hinder due to the new scrubber casing. Major drawings/documents like damage stability, capacity plans, container stowage plans, fire control plans, general arrangement plans etc. were revised counting the scrubber retrofit. 

• The above figure indicates the scrubber casing being integrated to the remaining casing modules using high capacity cranes. The scrubber tower in this project was of square type with various padeyes which were accurately secured to arrest any possible vibrations in the scrubber while sailing/cargo handling.
• Being one of the biggest vessel in the series/fleet with compact engine room, a careful planning, concept design and model reviews were required for optimum use of vessels space and minimum modification.
• A dedicated pump room meeting all statutory requirements and class rules was provided in order to accommodate larger equipment’s avoiding major modification in engine room. Separate communication system, ventilations system, access way etc. was provided, meeting all the ship building standards and crew comfort.

• Additional documents/drawings from that of regular scrubber projects were prepared and submitted to class for approval in close coordination with all the parties involved.
• Foreseeing the possible constraints at yard, our team had provided details on lifting weight of blocks beforehand which made sure of proper management/availabilityof high capacity cranes. All the bigger EGCS equipment’s were provided with lifting padeyes ensuring easy maintenance in future.

Our biggest challenge was to coordinate with multiple parties & to accommodate the scrubber equipment’s in the limited space available considering operational & practical aspects. The installation was carried out effortlessly under supervision of our surveyor at site within the limited timeframe and constraints. We could incorporate all the learnings & improvements in subsequent vessels and once again we were able to deliver optimised design to our clients.

Kudos to team VEDAM on milestones achieved at critical times!!!