Emission clean-up technologies

Emission clean-up technologies can be used to reduce emissions from the combustion of fuels. These technologies can be retrofitted to existing vessels to remove pollutants from the exhaust gas.

The main types of emission clean-up technologies are Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS, also known as scrubber) to reduce sulphur dioxide (SO2), Particulate Filter (DPF) to reduce particulate matter (PM), Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and Gas Recirculation (EGR), and Diesel to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx).

One of PLA’s marine services vessels, Driftwood II, will be fitted out with a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) to reduce the concentration of nitrogen oxides within the exhaust gas.  The retrofit is partly funded by the Clean Air Thames project under the Mayor’s Air Quality Fund.  The project aims to deliver air quality improvements along the Tidal Thames by retrofitting inland vessels to reduce emissions. The project is delivered by the Cross-River Partnership, supported by Greater London Authority, PLA, and the City of London Corporation.

To evaluate the benefit of the retrofit, scientists from University College London will be comparing the concentration of various pollutants within the exhaust gas before and after the retrofit.

Last updated – 10/8/2021