The Marine Department of Malaysia has prohibited the use of open-loop marine exhaust scrubbers, which deposit sulphuric acid in the sea, in its territorial waters.
Malaysia's territorial waters span 12 nautical miles from its land. Vessels calling Malaysia's ports are advised to use closed-loop marine exhaust scrubbers or to use compliant marine fuel to meet the global marine fuel sulphur cap of 0.5pc, which begins on 1 January.
Open-loop scrubbers spray exhaust with seawater, causing sulphur oxide to react and form sulphuric acid. Scrubber manufacturers says the natural alkalinty of seawater neutralizes the acid, but opponents say it is harmful to marine environments.
Countries and regions that have banned the use of open-loop scrubbers in their territorial waters include China, Singapore, Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, Panama and some US states such as California, Connecticut and Hawaii.
Open-loop scrubbers are allowed in international waters. Banning them in international waters would require a regulation from the International Maritime Organization.
Data from vessel classification society DNV shows that of the installed and commissioned for installation scrubbers 80pc are open-loop, 18pc are closed-loop and 2pc are hybrid.
An open-loop scrubber can be converted to a closed-loop or hybrid scrubber.
