New emission reduction technology has been installed on Holland America Line's ship Zaandam.

The line has launched a $1.5 million project designed to demonstrate the feasibility of using sea water to "scrub," or reduce, engine emissions on ocean-going vessels.

The project is being run in co-operation with several US and Canadian government and regulatory agencies.

The sea water scrubber system, developed by BP subsidiary Krystallon, uses the natural chemistry of seawater to remove virtually all sulphur oxide (SOx) as well as significantly reduce particulate matter emissions, according to the cruise line. 

The sea water is then treated to remove harmful components while the calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in seawater renders the sulphur oxides harmless by conversions to sulphates and neutral salts.

HAL president and CEO Stein Kruse said: "This is a ship like no other in the cruise industry, and after studies and modifications of the ship's new test emissions technology, it could dramatically change not only the cruise industry but the entire maritime industry by reducing ship engine emissions.

"We will continue to go above and beyond international requirements, as we have for many years, now in the operation of our vessels."

by Phil Davies