Takashi Nakabe, president of Onomichi Dockyard, said that it will cost over $2m in order to be able to meet the need for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) equipment, and he asked who would bear this cost. “Shipbuilders are not in a position to make this level of investment if the current level of low prices in the bulker market continues” he warned.
Hisashi Kadota, president of Shin Kurushima Dockyard commented, “Frankly speaking, the industry is still at the stage of trying to work out how to achieve these requirements.” Kenji Kawano, president of Tsuneishi Shipbuilding concurred, “The current reality is that every yard is facing the same problem.”
Yukito Higaki, president of Imabari Shipbuilding commented, “We are in the same situation. Furthermore, in the case of smaller vessels there isn’t the space to install the equipment. Numerous new rules are being imposed at a dizzying pace, and while laymen can have their say, there is a need for professionals within the industry to express rational arguments.”
Onomichi's Nakabe added, “It is becoming impossible to comply with the rules.” He urged that in future regulators should ensure there is adequate consultation with the industry regarding the application of new rules.
Bari-Ship's two day conference was hosted in Imabari, Japan, from 21 May and attracted over 450 delegates.
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