Restriction on use of open-loop scrubbers
From 1 January 2025, there will be a restriction on the use of open-loop scrubbers for seagoing vessels in the port of Amsterdam. Open-loop scrubbers discharge polluted washing water into our port waters. By this ban, we contribute to a cleaner marine environment.
Scrubbers
A scrubber, also known as an “exhaust gas cleaning system”, is a system in the funnel of ships that 'washes' exhaust gases to ensure that less sulphur is emitted into the air. After washing the exhaust gases, polluted wash water remains. Scrubbers come in different versions: closed-loop and open-loop. With closed-loop, the waste materials are collected in a waste tank. With open-loop, the polluted wash water is discharged directly into the water. This contributes to the pollution of the water and causes water and soil pollution. In addition, because of these scrubbers, ships continue to use fuel oil.
Switching to cleaner fuel
In order to combat water and soil pollution in the Port of Amsterdam, a restriction on the use of open-loop scrubbers will apply from 1 January 2025. The ban applies on ships that are berthed. There, the discharge of the washing water is most locally concentrated. In the case of a hybrid scrubber system, seagoing vessels must switch to closed-loop, or switch to another cleaner fuel that meets the sulphur environmental standards, such as Marine Gas Oil.
Sustainability acceleration
In 2023, approximately 100 seagoing vessels with an open-loop scrubber called at the Port of Amsterdam. In addition to Amsterdam, the ban already is in place in the ports of Antwerp, Hamburg, French and several Scandinavian ports. Milembe Mateyo, Harbor Master at Port of Amsterdam: "With this decision, we are combating the pollution of the marine environment. It is another step closer to a cleaner port and an acceleration in the sustainability of shipping.''
More information
The legal decision can be read below: