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Port of Vancouver prohibits scrubber discharge

March 1, 2022

As of March 1, 2022, the Vancouver-Fraser Port Authority has new restrictions on how exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS), also known as scrubbers, are used at the Port of Vancouver. The amendments to the port authority’s information guide prevent the discharge of wash water from an open-loop or closed-loop EGCS.

Operating or cleaning a wet exhaust gas scrubber for marine diesel engines generates effluent (wash water) that must be treated prior to discharge. Wash water contains gaseous and particulate emissions removed from the exhaust in the funnel by the scrubber. Vessels using hybrid systems must now switch to the closed-loop mode and operate in a zero-discharge mode. If wash water cannot be recirculated or retained aboard, vessels must switch to compliant fuel or shore power (where available). The changeover occurs as soon as possible after anchorage or berth and as late as possible before departure.