Polaris Opts for Open-Loop Scrubbers

South Korean owner Polaris Shipping will retrofit seven ships with open-loop scrubbers in preparation for the 2020 sulphur cap’s entrance into force next year.

The vessels in question include four 180,000 dwt bulkers and three 300,000 dwt very large ore carriers. The installations of Langh Tech’s open loop scrubbers will be done as turn key deliveries by STX Offshore & Shipbuilding.

The component deliveries will start in summer 2019 and the installations will follow soon after component delivery, according to Finland-based scrubber manufacturer.

“I believe that this scrubber retrofit contract with Polaris Shipping will be a great milestone for Langh Tech to cooperate with many other esteemed Korean shipping companies in the future,” Simon Kim, Langh Tech’s Regional Manager for South Korea, said.

The company is starting training of local service and commissioning engineers for the Korean market to complement its services as it readies to start scrubber tower production also in Korea.

“We look forward to further strengthen our position in the Korean market, both as component sales to new building yards and to retrofit installations,”says Langh Tech’s Commercial Director Laura Langh-Lagerlöf.

The Finnish scrubber manufacturer secured a large deal in Greece in November last year for the delivery of 10 shipset scrubber systems for shipping companies Marmaras Navigation and Delta Tankers, owned by Diamantis Diamantides, one of Greece’s renowned shipowners.

The contract followed a major scrubber retrofit arrangement inked with Danish shipowner Norden covering 12 vessels. Under the deal, Langh Tech will provide open-loop scrubbers for four tankers and eight bulk carriers in Norden’s fleet.