Scrubber cuts Channel ferry exhaust fumes

A device that can be fitted to a ship's exhaust to reduce polluting emissions has been unveiled. Transport minister Stephen Ladyman was in Kent to see the seawater scrubber in use on a cross-Channel ferry at Dover. He said the device could remove all sulphur dioxides, most nitrogen oxides, and minute particles, but added: "What it doesn't do is reduce CO2." He said carbon dioxide levels needed to be tackled by the shipping world, but called the device "a good start". The technology, developed in Sussex, has been tested on P&O's Pride of Kent ferry, which sails on the Dover to Calais route, for the past 12 months. Mr Ladyman said while there was "no doubt" legislation would be brought in to tackle shipping pollution, it was "good to see people taking voluntary steps". He added that he would like all ships to have such technology but said: "Shipping is an international business and we can't pass laws in this country that will compel all the ships in the world to follow any particular line of action." And with UK concern at CO2 produced by shipping, pollution issues needed to be negotiated at the UN-run International Maritime Organisation, he said. The technology, unveiled on Monday, was developed in Littlehampton by Krystallon, a joint venture between BP Marine and Kittiwake Developments Ltd. A Krystallon spokesman said this was the first time combined scrubbing and laser technology had been used on a ship, anywhere in the world.

Bunker fuel

A chemical reaction between calcium carbonate in the seawater and the exhaust fumes removes the sulphur dioxide, while the laser technology detects and measures the gasses emitted. Nitrogen oxides and minute particles, or particulates, that are formed during combustion, are also reduced. According to the firm, shipping emissions have become a serious problem because ships burn bunker fuel - low-priced, heavy oil. It is a first for global shipping and a first for the UK and could prove vital in safeguarding the future health of the UK," the spokesman said. Donald Gregory, Krystallon chairman, said: "I think there's an increasing concern that particulates are related to human health issues - I think the science is still unfolding on that."