GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 25, 2026
Marine Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (Scrubbers)
Shipping companies fit marine exhaust gas cleaning systems – commonly called scrubbers – to reduce sulfur oxides (SOx) in engine exhaust and comply with the sulfur emission limits under MARPOL Annex VI.
Quick Answer
Last updated: Published:
Source: https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Environment/Pages/Sulphur-oxides-(SOx)-–-Regulation-14.aspx
Category
Logistics Concept
Reading time
1 min
Words
114
Mentioned in
–
Definition & Explanation
Shipping companies fit marine exhaust gas cleaning systems – commonly called scrubbers – to reduce sulfur oxides (SOx) in engine exhaust and comply with the sulfur emission limits under MARPOL Annex VI. The units clean exhaust gases using seawater or alkaline solutions; three main configurations exist – open-loop, closed-loop, and hybrid – differing primarily in how they manage the resulting washwater discharge. Scrubbers represent a technical alternative to burning Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) or LNG, and the investment case hinges on the price spread between high-sulfur fuel oil (HSFO) and low-sulfur alternatives. A growing number of ports and coastal jurisdictions have banned open-loop scrubber discharges, pushing operators toward closed-loop or hybrid configurations.
Next steps
Matching tools and partners
Related Terms
You might also be interested in these terms
Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox
Free · No password · Never a paywall. Weekly top news and facts from logistics.
Community Questions & Answers
Share your knowledge, ask follow-up questions, or add practical insights to this page. Every contribution is moderated before publication.
No community answers yet. Be the first.