Safe Bulkers orders additional retrofits of Alfa Laval PureSOx
(Posted on 19/11/22)
In recent years, Greek shipowner Safe Bulkers has retrofitted Alfa Laval PureSOx exhaust gas cleaning systems on 20 of its bulk carriers. The company has just installed its 21st PureSOx scrubber, and four more retrofits are scheduled through the first half of 2023. Once again, the systems will be protected with a comprehensive Alfa Laval Service Agreement.
Safe Bulkers is expanding the retrofit programme for exhaust gas cleaning within its fleet. Having now retrofitted an open-loop PureSOx system on the MV Pelopidas, the company will retrofit equivalent systems on four Capesize bulk carriers: MV Aghia Sofia, MV Lake Despina, MV Maria and MV Michalis H. Alfa Laval’s deliveries for the vessels, which are each roughly 180,000 DWT in capacity, will extend from November 2022 to April 2023.
“When we first made the choice to retrofit Alfa Laval PureSOx systems in 2018, we were convinced that it was a good investment,” says Dr Loukas Barmparis, President of Safe Bulkers. “Today’s increased price difference between low-sulphur and high-sulphur fuel shows that we were correct. We are protecting our margins in a time of uncertainty while simultaneously protecting the environment. Through comprehensive sampling of effluent wash water from open-loop scrubber systems, independent laboratories using EPA or ISO methods have shown that there is little or no impact from the wash water concentrations.” For Safe Bulkers, turning to Alfa Laval for additional scrubber systems was the natural choice. The previous PureSOx retrofit projects have all gone smoothly, and the systems themselves have lived up to the promised high performance.
“Retrofitting large equipment like a scrubber will always involve challenges,” says Barmparis. “What makes the difference is the supplier’s commitment to finding a solution. Having already done 21 retrofits with Alfa Laval, we can say with confidence that the cooperation works – just like the PureSOx technology. Both the support and the results are consistently excellent.”
To take full advantage of the partnership, Safe Bulkers has an Alfa Laval Service Agreement in place for its PureSOx systems. Comprising spare parts packages, sensor exchanges, connectivity and more, the agreement will now be expanded to cover the additional vessels.
“We take no chances with our compliance at Safe Bulkers,” Barmparis concludes. “Service is an important safeguard, and we know that we can rely on Alfa Laval’s expertise. The support we receive means that we can always be certain of fulfilling our obligations.”
Latest News
Pacific Basin signs MOU to enhance access to green fuels
(Posted on 27/06/25)Pacific Basin Shipping Limited, one of the world’s leading dry bulk shipping companies, has signed... Read more
Major milestone for nuclear-powered ships as IMO agrees outdated regulations revision
(Posted on 27/06/25)The IMO has formally agreed to start the revision of outdated regulations for nuclear-powered ships.... Read more
Unique Snapshot highlights true state of bullying and harassment
(Posted on 25/06/25)In advance of the IMO Day of the Seafarer’s focus on ‘My Harassment-Free Ship’, Sailors... Read more
Seafarers must not be made scapegoats, says InterManager
(Posted on 25/06/25)The threat of prosecution from a criminal investigation should never be held against an individual seafarer... Read more
Increase in female crews reporting sexual harassment is positive shift, says MHSS
(Posted on 25/06/25)As the industry comes together this week to celebrate Day of the Seafarer and promote the theme &lsquo... Read more
Biomar delivered to AtoB@C Shipping as production of last vessel of series begins
(Posted on 20/06/25)Biomar has been delivered to ESL Shipping's subsidiary AtoB@C Shipping on June 16, bringing the number... Read more
Smart Ship Hub digital platform deployed for Great Eastern Shipping Company fleet
(Posted on 20/06/25)Great Eastern Shipping Co. Ltd. (GESCO), India's largest private fleet owner of bulkers and tankers,... Read more
Baltic Exchange introduces monthly audits to improve Baltic index quality
(Posted on 20/06/25)Baltic Exchange has launched a new quality control mechanism to support its ongoing audit policies for... Read more
INTERCARGO report: Safety gains continue but security threats emerge
(Posted on 15/06/25)INTERCARGO, the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners, reports encouraging progress in bulk... Read more
Marcura and Sedna Partner to simplify maritime workflows
(Posted on 15/06/25)Marcura and Dataloy Systems have announced a new phase in their long-standing strategic partnership... Read more
