31OCT2019 - NEWS - More than 100 containerships out of operation for scrubber retrofits: Alphaliner

More than 100 containerships are out of action due to scrubber retrofits and over 500 others are scheduled for retrofitting over the coming 12 months, according to data from Alphaliner.

With IMO 2020 just around the corner, the world’s shipping fleet is gearing up to face the new regulation capping bunker sulphur content at 0.5%, or the continued use of high sulphur fuels will need the installation of a scrubber to bring the sulphur content down to the compliant level.

As at 29 October, the number of containerships that stay at repair yards for scrubber retrofits has reached 86, with at least 14 ships currently waiting for a yard slot to become available.

In addition, more than 500 containerships are scheduled to be retrofitted over the coming 12 months.

Such a long retrofitting queue has led to congestion at various yards as the scrubber installation works have taken longer than anticipated.