HiGAS Marine Scrubbers – Revolutionizing Shipping Industry for MARPOL and Decarbonization

Abstract The marine industry, responsible for over 80% of global merchandise transport, significantly impacts environmental sustainability through greenhouse gas (GHG) and sulfur oxides (SOx) emissions. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) targets a 50% reduction in GHG emissions by 2050, necessitating cleaner technologies and low-carbon fuels. The IMO's MARPOL Annex VI regulations also mandate a global sulfur cap of 0.5% for marine fuels. Compliance options include low sulfur fuels or scrubbers, with over 5,000 vessels using scrubbers by 2023. Compliance poses challenges for refiners and shippers. On-ship scrubbing of exhaust SOx and CO2 offers an economical solution. Yet, existing ship scrubbers face drawbacks: towering size, weight, and poor efficiency. Enter HP-HiGAS, an innovative technology by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), India, tailored for exhaust gas scrubbing. Utilizing a Rotating Packed Bed (RPB) with high surface area packing, HP-HiGAS leverages centrifugal forces to vastly enhance gas absorption and mass transfer rate. Successfully implemented at HPCL's Visakh Refinery, HP-HiGAS has demonstrated practical viability in removing H2S from refinery fuel gas. The technology's compact design and superior performance make it suitable for marine applications, offering a robust solution for decarbonizing and desulfurizing marine exhaust gases. By enabling the maritime sector to meet stringent environmental regulations, HP-HiGAS plays a crucial role in reducing the industry's environmental footprint and supporting global sustainability efforts.