Case study overview

A recent project saw us contact by one of our key clients who had a built a vessel in Spain and was in the process of delivering it to a Norwegian ship owner. They were struggling to abate the correct amount of NOx emissions in accordance with the design and legislation. The vessel had received the Urea-based solution from a nearby source (not a GPA recognised source) and bunkered it at the local shipyard in Norway. 

Client confidentiality is fundamental to our business. As is understanding how legislation impacts on diverse international businesses differently. We responded to their concerns over their abatement inefficiency whilst in transit from Spain to Norway by immediately dispatching our Norwegian manager to the location to liaise.

Having established the nature of the problem, our technical team took samples from both of the on-board Urea tanks. These samples were tested within 24 hours. The results indicated a non-conforming grade of Urea solution. It was 20% Urea-based solution with extremely high calcium results of 2,500mg per kg.

 
1
Spain
2
Norway
Nautical Landscape

Due to the Urea percentage showing as only 20% and not the pre-requisite 40%, it had resulted in a significant shortfall in the reduction of NOx emissions due to there being only half of the required Urea present for the NOx reduction reaction process to occur. The recorded calcium levels were dangerously high, at almost 5,000 times over the suitable limit. This would ultimately have caused a blockage in the vessel’s SCR equipment.

In Bergen, Norway, the ECOUREA team moved swiftly. We removed all of the non-conforming materials from the ship’s urea tanks. We carried out a special tank clean to remove any further contaminants. Following completion of this stage of the process, we then bunkered 27CBM of our 40% Marine Urea®.

This process was completed efficiently within six hours, and ahead of schedule. This work coincided with a crew change and planned 12-hour layover for our client – meaning the work was carried out with no disruption to the ship’s schedule. The ECOUREA team had achieved maximum efficiency and showed timely and seamless work. We remained in contact with the vessel for at least seven days afterwards, ensuring that the crew were happy with the new higher levels of NOx abatement and that the engines were working efficiently – and in harmony with the vessel’s SCR equipment. 

Contact usLearn more on NOx Reagents