Safe Bulkers to install Alfa Laval scrubbers on half its fleet

The New York-listed dry bulk shipowner is installing Alfa Laval Pure SOx scrubbers on five kamsarmax and 13 post-panamax vessels in its fleet, with an option for a recently acquired capesize vessel.

The cost of the scrubber and installation is expected to average $2m for an average sized vessel.

Installations are planned to be carried out at CSHI between second and fourth quarter 2019. Safe Bulkers said it was opting to fit scrubbers on around half its fleet while, the other half comprising smaller, more fuel efficient vessels would operate on low sulphur once the 0.5% sulphur cap for marine fuel comes into force on 1 January 2020.

To minimise downtime the scrubber systems will be fitted on 10 vessels during their scheduled dry dockings and at the same time EMRA first ballast water treatment systems, which the company is fitting to its entire fleet will also be installed.

Read more: Safe Bulkers to equip entire fleet with Erma First ballast water system

“We are happy to cooperate with Cosco and Alfa Laval for this project and we believe that we will enjoy a short pay-back period for this investment based on price differential between HFO (heavy fuel oil) and compliant fuels after 1 January 2020,” said said Loukas Barmparis, president of Safe Bulkers.

Safe Bulkers is the latest owner of large vessels to opt for scrubbers for at least part of its fleet to meet the requirements of the sulphur cap, joining the likes of Frontline, Star Bulk Carriers, Eagle Bulk Shipping and Maran Tankers.