As has been discussed in these comments before, the use of exhaust gas cleaning systems or scrubbers to meet the requirements of the forthcoming global sulphur cap is starting to look like the most attractive option for many shipowners.

The reasons for this essentially revolve around the likely low cost of heavy fuel oil in the post-2020 bunker market, which could see vessels with scrubbers at a considerable advantage. In addition there may also be issues surrounding security of supply and availability of low-sulphur fuels, boosting the case for opting to install scrubbers.

Suppliers are currently revising their estimates of the likely demand for scrubbers upwards, but this brings with it a separate set of problems.

The major problem is that owners are still looking to place orders for scrubbers at the last minute in order to avoid installing the technology before it is required. This raises the possibility that they will not be able to secure installation space at a shipyard before the start of 2020 if there is a last minute rush in orders.

Of course, from an owner’s perspective, the perfect time to get a scrubber installed is right at the end of 2019, but this may prove easier said than done.

If interest in scrubbers at its current level is sustained, there’s little doubt that the whole supply chain will come under pressure as 2020 approaches. Shipowners would be well advised to factor this into their calculations.