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North P&I Club: No Scrubs- More Ports Declare Ban on EGCS Discharges *Update*

Attached table summarises North’s insight on the stands taken by ports that have or will prohibit the use of scrubbers, or have placed conditions on their use.
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The North P&I Club on Monday (4 May) published an update on the stands taken by major ports worldwide on the use of scrubbers and the allowance of EGCS discharge: 

Exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS) – more commonly referred to as scrubbers – are an accepted equivalent measure in complying with the IMO 2020 global sulphur cap. The use of scrubbers has split the shipping industry. Ports around the world are looking at the impact of scrubber use in their waters.

A number of ports and regions have already stated that they will not allow the discharge of washwater from scrubbers.

The table below summarises North’s understanding of the positions taken by ports that have or will prohibit the use of scrubbers, or have placed conditions on their use.

This information is to the best of our knowledge and is for guidance only. For up to date and definitive information, contact the local authorities or agents.

Country Port Open loop EGCS discharge allowed? Comments
Australia All Yes According to AMSA Marine Notice 05/2019, wash water testing should be conducted upon commissioning of the EGCS and repeated every twelve months, as a minimum, for a period of two years. Ships may be directed not to discharge wash-water from an EGCS in Australian waters if this data, or evidence that samples have been taken for analysis, cannot be provided to AMSA before arrival at the first Australian port.

 
Bahrain Bahrain No
  • Open loop operation not allowed in port or at anchor
  • Open loop operation is allowed in Bahraini territorial waters and exclusive economic zones (EEZ) as long as it can be proved that the discharge of washwater complies with MEPC.259(68) and there is no negative impact on marine ecosystems.

 
Belgium All No
  • Belgian federal law states discharge only allowed in coastal and open seawaters when at least 3nm off coast
  • Discharges must not imperil EU Water Framework Directive objectives.
  • Flemish regional law also confirms discharge not allowed in ports or inland waters.
Bermuda All ports Yes The maximum allowed sulphur content in fuel for Controlled Plants is 2.0%. Ships equipped with Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) shall seek the prior approval of the Environmental Authority before its use in Bermuda’s territorial waters.  Wash-water and residue from the EGCS shall not be disposed of in Bermuda or discharged into Bermuda’s waters but shall be stored on board the ship until outside of Bermuda’s waters.
PR China Inland river Emission Control Areas (ECAs), Port areas within coastal ECAs and Bohai Sea – the sea area within lines connecting the junction point of shorelines of Dandong, Dalian and shorelines of Yantai, Weihai.

 

 No
  • China MSA guidance prohibits the discharge of water washings from open- loop scrubbers in certain areas. The prohibited areas are:
    • Inland river Emission Control Areas (ECAs)
    • Port areas within coastal ECAs
    • Bohai Sea – the sea area within lines connecting the junction point of shorelines of Dandong, Dalian and shorelines of Yantai, Weihai.
  • The guidelines also prohibit the incineration of the water washing residues from any type of exhaust gas scrubber. Ships are required to keep accurate records of the stowage and disposal of the washing washings.
  • If a vessel is not able to store the washing water it is required to switch to low sulphur fuel (not exceeding 0.5%) prior to entering the above areas. The guidelines also state that under certain circumstances a vessel may apply for an exemption if it uses fuel that does not meet the MSA’s requirements.
  • A copy of the MSA’s guidelines for ships operating within the ECAs, including enforcement details can be found here.

 
Egypt Suez Canal No
  • Suez Canal Authority has issued Circular 08/2019.
  • Clarification provided here
  • The authority puts no conditions or restrictions on marine fuels until Egypt ratifies MARPOL Annex VI – as such, the sulphur cap is not in force.
  • Wash water from open-loop scrubbers is not permitted to be discharged during transit of the canal
Estonia All Ports Restricted
  • https://veeteedeamet.ee/sites/default/files/content-editors/clarification_of_exhaust_gas_cleaning_system_egcs_operations_in_territorial_waters_and_ports_of_estonia.pdfCircular Number 4 (21.10.19) refers to paragraph 10.1.6.1 of MEPC 184(59) and the restrictions on discharging chemical EGCS wash water including enclosed ports and estuaries. Exceptions for discharge into the sea are made if the ship operator can demonstrate that the washing water meets international requirements, required PH levels and does not cause adverse effects on human health or the environment. Prior authorisation is always required to discharge into the port area.The water Act which entered into force on 01.10.2019 does not treat washing water discharges as a violation of pollutant discharge from ships, if in compliance with MARPOL.The use of closed-loop EGCS is permitted in the territorial waters and ports of Estonia, if it meets the relevant requirements and is certified, however discharging of the washing water is not permitted.
Germany Inland Waterways , canals and ports within inland waterways No
  • EGCS discharge is not permitted according to the convention on the collection, deposit and reception of waste generated during navigation on the Rhine and other inland waterways (CDNI Convention) .Restrictions apply to all inland waterways intended for general traffic except for the German part of Lake Constance and the stretch of the Rhine upstream of Rheinfelden.https://www.cdni-iwt.org/presentation-of-cdni/?lang=en

 
Gibraltar Gibraltar No
  • Closed loop scrubbers are permitted in Gibraltar waters, Hybrid scrubbers operating in closed loop mode are also permitted, and open loop scrubber are temporarily not permitted as a precautionary measure until the Gibraltar Government arrives at a definitive policy decision with regards to (solely) open loop scrubbers
Hong Kong All Hong Kong Yes
  • A ban on EGCS wastewater is not listed, however Hong Kong regulation L.N 135 of 2018 states that an exemption from use of non-compliant fuel is granted if the authorities are satisfied with the abatement technology used to reduce sulphur dioxide emissions. More detail on this and the duration of exemption can be found by accessing the document via link below.https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/hk/2018/ln135!en

 
Ireland Dublin and Waterford No
Latvia All Ports Conflicting advice
  • EUROPEAN COMMISSION REPORT (2016): Allowed – no restrictions, but national authorities are of the position that open-loop scrubber discharge should be prohibited in territorial waters and ports
  • ABS Report (2018): Prohibited in port waters
  • Correspondents Pandi Balt Ltd advised in August 2018 that washwater discharges currently allowed under regulations but likely to be prohibited in future

 
Lithuania All Ports Conflicting advice
  • EUROPEAN COMMISSION REPORT (2016): Allowed – no restrictions (in accordance with IMO Washwater Guidelines MEPC 184(59)).
  • ABS Report (2018): Prohibited in territorial waters and ports
  • We understand Lithuanian authorities are studying whether EGCS wash water discharges have serious impacts on the marine environment or not. When results will be clear, conclusions will be provided.
Malaysia All Ports No
  • Malaysia shipping notice MSN 07/2019 prohibits the use of open loop scrubbers within 12 nautical miles from land. Vessels calling at Malaysian ports must operate in closed loop mode or change over to compliant fuel before arrival.MSN072019 (2).pdf

 
Norway The World Heritage Fjords sea areas of Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord

 

 Restricted
Pakistan Port of Karachi and Port Bin Qasim No
  • The Government of Pakistan Ministry of Maritime Affairs (Ports and Shipping) circular number 001/2020 prohibits the discharge of wash-water from open loop scrubbers. If closed loop scrubbers are not in use then compliant fuel should be used and changed over before arriving in port waters.

 
Panama Panama canal No
  • NT NOTICE TO SHIPPING No. N-1-2020 “Vessel Requirements”, Section 31 states the following and can be accessed hereThe use of open loop scrubbers or hybrid scrubbers in open loop mode is prohibited in Panama Canal waters. Vessels opting to use closed loop scrubbers or hybrid scrubbers in closed/ zero discharge mode shall submit documents to the panama-canal authority as detailed in section 31 E.Additionally, Section 28 (5) of the same document states: “Residues from the Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS) wash-water are to be collected on board. Discharging these residues into the water bodies under the responsibility of the Panama Canal or incinerating them on board is not permitted.”

 
Portugal All Ports No
  • Use of open loop scrubbers are not allowed from entry of the ship into the port, along the port channel and at berth (moored), until the ship leaves the port. Only closed loop operation is allowed.

 
Singapore Singapore No
  • Ban on the use of open loop scrubbers expected to take effect on 1 January 2020

 
Spain Algeciras, Cartagena, Huelva No
  • Use of open loop scrubbers is prohibited at the Spanish ports of Algeciras, Cartagena and Huelva. At present no other Spanish ports have imposed this ban.
Sweden Stockholm Restricted
  • Whilst there is no ban in Swedish waters on the use of open loop scrubbers our correspondents have advised that there is an open loop scrubber ban in Stockholm.
United States Californian Ports and Waters No
  • The Californian ARB OGV regulations stipulate only distillate fuels can be used to comply with the 0.1% sulphur limit
  • Changeover to compliant distillate fuel (MGO or MDO) prior to entering Californian waters

 
United States Connecticut Ports and Waters No
  • Discharge of exhaust gas scrubber washwater into Connecticut waters from any vessel is prohibited
  • VGP 2013: 6.5.9 Discharge of exhaust gas scrubber washwater into Connecticut waters from any vessel covered under the VGP or sVGP is prohibited.
  • This condition is necessary for compliance with CGS section 22a-427, Standards No.1, 2, 9, 12, 14, 15, and 24 of the CT WQS.
United States Hawaii Ports and Waters Yes – conditional
  • Additional requirements under VGP 2013 Section 6.6.
  • The State of Hawaii (Clean Water Branch) issued ‘Blanket Section 401’ Water Quality Criteria (WQC).
  • This covers 27 categories of effluent discharge from an applicable vessel (EGCS washwater being one) that have received the best control or treatment into waters of the State of Hawaii incidental to the normal operation of the applicable vessels

 
United Arab Emirates Abu Dhabi Ports Yes – conditional
  • Abu Dhabi Ports Company Policy:
  • Sludge generated from exhaust gas scrubber washwater discharge must not be discharged into port waters.
  • Exhaust gas scrubber washwater discharge may only be discharged in port waters if free from pollutants.
  • Any exhaust gas scrubber sludge should be discharged from a vessel to an ADPC licensed waste disposal contractor http://www.adports.ae/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/20131003_Vessel-Discharge-Draft-C.pdf

 
United Arab Emirates Fujairah No

 

A full copy of the chart can be accessed here.


Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 6 May, 2020

 

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Mass Flowmeter

MFM-equipped CPN barge first listed under Hong Kong quality bunker scheme

Chimbusco Pan Nation’s bunker barge “Zhong Ran 23” has become the first vessel in Hong Kong listed on Marine Department’s official List of Quality Bunker Vessels, under a newly-launched scheme.

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MFM-equipped CPN barge first listed under Hong Kong quality bunker scheme

Hong Kong-based marine fuel supplier Chimbusco Pan Nation (CPN) on Tuesday (16 June) announced that its bunker barge Zhong Ran 23 has become the first vessel in Hong Kong listed on the Marine Department’s official List of Quality Bunker Vessels.

The list under the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme launched on 3 June.

“The Scheme is a voluntary initiative designed to raise the standard of bunkering accuracy, transparency, and service quality in Hong Kong,” CPN said in a social media post.

“To be listed, a bunker vessel must have its Mass Flow Meter (MFM) system independently certified under ISO 22192, the international benchmark for mass flow metering in bunkering operations.”

CPN added it has operated the MFM system across our fleet of fuel oil barges since 2015. 

Manifold Times previously reported Hong Kong’s Marine Department (MD) launching the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme to encourage bunker operators to install and use mass flow meter systems (MFM systems) on their bunker vessels.

MD said the scheme aims to enhance Hong Kong’s bunkering service quality and the competitiveness of Hong Kong ports, thereby further consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international maritime centre and a major bunkering port.

Under the Scheme, bunker operators of traditional maritime fuel and biodiesel that install and use MFM systems on their bunker vessels, with the MFM systems inspected and certified by an accredited body in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization’s ISO 22192 Standard or equivalent requirements, can apply to the MD for inclusion in the scheme’s “List of Quality Bunker Vessels”, provided they meet the relevant technical and operational requirements. 

Related: Hong Kong backs MFM adoption with voluntary scheme to boost bunkering competitiveness

 

Photo credit: Chimbusco Pan Nation
Published: 17 June, 2026

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Financial Result

Bunker Holding exceeds FY2025/26 forecast despite geopolitical headwinds

Bunker Holding delivered a gross profit of USD 424 million and a profit before tax of USD 73 million, exceeding the Group’s expectations for the year.

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RESIZED bunker holding

Bunker Holding on Tuesday (16 June) said it delivered a strong performance in the financial year 2025/2026 despite continued uncertainty across global markets. 

The year was shaped by geopolitical developments, evolving trade flows, periods of heightened market volatility, and strong competition.

These conditions were further amplified by developments in the Middle East, which added complexity across global energy markets and shipping routes. 

In response, Bunker Holding focused on getting closer to customers and understanding the different challenges faced across shipping segments. This enabled faster decision-making, greater agility under pressure, and allowed the Group to respond effectively while continuing to support customers reliably.

Against this backdrop, Bunker Holding delivered a gross profit of USD 424 million and a profit before tax of USD 73 million, exceeding the Group’s expectations for the year. Equity increased to USD 342 million.

Revenue amounted to USD 13.1 billion, a decrease of 4% compared to the previous year. The decline primarily reflected lower average oil prices during the financial year, despite periods of heightened market volatility and stronger pricing towards the end of the period.

“This year, we have taken important steps to strengthen Bunker Holding for the future. We have simplified parts of the organisation, brought teams closer together, and made the changes needed to make us more focused and efficient. Our markets remained challenging and unpredictable, but I am pleased with both the result we have delivered and the progress we have made,” said Peder Møller, CEO of Bunker Holding.        

Looking ahead to 2026/27, Bunker Holding anticipates intense market competition alongside continued investments in low- and zero-carbon fuel projects and partnerships.

Changes to the Board of Directors

Bunker Holding said the company is strengthening its Board of Directors with the appointment of several new members and a new Chairman of the Board.

Nina Østergaard, CEO and co-owner of USTC, will assume the role of Chairman of the Board, while Henrik Andersen, Group President and CEO of Vestas Wind Systems A/S, will join as Vice Chairman. Tina Revsbech, CEO of Maersk Tankers, and Kenneth Steengaard, Chairman of the Board of Global Risk Management, will join the Board as new members.

At the same time, current Chairman Klaus Nyborg and Board member Peter Frederiksen will step down from the Board.

Nina Østergaard, incoming Chairman of the Board, said: “I am excited to take on the role as Chairman of Bunker Holding at an important time in the company’s development. Bunker Holding has a strong market position, a clear strategic direction, and significant opportunities ahead. I am also pleased to welcome Henrik Andersen, Tina Revsbech, and Kenneth Steengaard to the Board. They each bring valuable experience and perspectives, and I am particularly pleased that we have attracted such strong international profiles as Henrik and Tina, whose leadership experience from Vestas and Maersk Tankers will further strengthen the Board and support the company’s continued development.”

The addition of Kenneth Steengaard moves Bunker Holding closer to its sister-company Global Risk Management and adds important insight into risk management.

Bunker Holding founder and co-owner Torben Østergaard-Nielsen thanked the departing Board members for their contributions to the company.

 

Photo credit: Bunker Holding
Published: 17 June, 2026

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Business

Oilmar establishes Board of Directors amid international expansion

Three directors are Chief Executive Officer Yusif Mammadov, Chief Finance Officer Nain Shafi, and Legal, Credit and Compliance Head Taira Shikhiyeva.
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June 17, 2026

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Oilmar formalises Board of Directors amid international expansion

UAE-based marine fuel and petroleum products trader Oilmar on Tuesday (16 June) announced the formal establishment of its Board of Directors, marking an important milestone in the company’s evolution.

The three directors are Chief Executive Officer Yusif Mammadov, Chief Finance Officer Nain Shafi, and Legal, Credit and Compliance Head Taira Shikhiyeva.

The formation of the Board was first communicated during Oilmar’s Q1 2026 Townhall as part of a wider governance enhancement initiative and has now been formally implemented.  

The Board has been established to provide strategic direction, oversee risk management and governance matters, and support the company’s continued growth across its global operations.

“At inception, the Board comprises three Directors with extensive international experience across the energy, maritime, shipping, and commodity trading sectors. Together, they bring a wealth of industry knowledge and strategic expertise to support the company’s continued growth and development,” the company said.

“The Board is expected to be further strengthened through the appointment of additional Executive and Non-Executive Directors as the company continues to expand its international footprint.”

As part of the enhanced governance framework, strategic direction, risk appetite, and key business objectives will be determined at Board level, while regional management teams will remain responsible for execution within their respective markets. This structure strengthens accountability, promotes effective decision-making, and supports the Company’s long-term growth and succession objectives.

CEO Yusif Mammadov, said: “The establishment of the Board marks the next stage in Oilmar’s development as a global energy and marine fuels business. It creates a governance framework that will support our future growth, strengthen oversight across the organisation, and ensure that our strategic decisions are guided by long-term value creation and responsible risk management.”

 

Photo credit: Oilmar
Published: 17 June, 2026

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