DFDS invests in new technology

The company is installing scrubbers in eight of its ships in 2014 to meet the future environmental regulations, which state that ships operating in the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, the English Channel and the entire northern-European transportation network, will only be able to use oil with a maximum of 0.1% sulphur.

Niels Smedegaard, CEO, DFDS, said: “Not all shipping companies have the opportunity to make the major investment that a scrubber system requires. In addition, only about half of all ships are suitable for having scrubbers fitted. In reality, the much-discussed LNG is only a solution for new ships.”

“Therefore we must act quickly to find solutions and, preferably, transition rules for the many ships that are not suitable for scrubber installation, possibly through temporary exemptions, if shipping companies contribute to investments in solutions where possible,” he added.

The new regulations will see fuel prices rise and an increase in sea transport costs. This could lead to freight being forced onto European roads, resulting in an increase in road congestions and other environmental problems.

DFDS has previously tested a prototype scrubber on a vessel over several years and is set to complete the instalment of the new scrubber removal system on three other ships.

In total, 12 of its ships will comply with the new regulations. It is also looking at installing the scrubbers on another 10 of its ships.