19NOV2019 - NEWS - Malaysia Bans Open-Loop Scrubbers

Malaysia has joined the list of nations and regions moving to ban the use of open-loop exhaust gas scrubbers in the run-up to the IMO2020 sulfur cap implementation. 

"Malaysia prohibits the discharge of washwater from whilst in Malaysian water (12 nautical miles from the nearest land)," said maritime regulator Jabatan Laut Malaysia in a statement posted to its site November 12. “Ships calling to the Malaysian ports are advised to change over to compliance fuel oil or change over to close loop system (if hybrid system) before entering Malaysian waters and ports."

The agency also posted a notice of intent to enforce the new IMO2020 fuel sulfur cap of 0.5 percent when it enters into effect on January 1.