Van Oord has implemented a key upgrade to its fleet as part of its ongoing commitment to reduce emissions. Several Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems have been installed on the company’s cable-laying vessel, Nexus, by Damen Shipyards Group.
Five SCR units were fitted on the Nexus, one for each engine, as part of the retrofit project. SCR is a sophisticated emissions control technology that uses a catalytic converter to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions to a minimal level. The system works by injecting urea into the exhaust gases, where it reacts with the catalyst to chemically remove NOx.
With the installation of the SCR systems, the Nexus is now fully compliant with International Maritime Organization (IMO) Tier III standards, which aim to limit emissions from ships.
Van Oord emphasized its commitment to sustainability, with a focus on reducing its environmental impact. “We are assessing our existing fleet and determining the right modifications for optimizing energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” the company said.
Damen Shipyards Group, the original builder of Nexus, was well-suited for the retrofit project, as its compact SCR system was easily integrated into the vessel’s existing design. This upgrade marks another step in Van Oord’s broader goal of achieving net-zero emissions.