The Greek tanker PSALA, which underwent desulfurization technology modifications by Zhejiang Energy Marine Environmental Technology Co., Ltd. (ZEME), is seen on sea trials.

At 9:15 AM on February 16th, the Greek tanker PSALA, with a deadweight of 158,000 tons, successfully passed certification by the classification society after 96 hours of sea trials in Zhoushan waters. The vessel then returned to Zhoushan Pacific (2.700, 0.00, 0.00%) shipyard sea area. At this point, ZEME had completed the desulfurization modification of the vessel. Calculations show that the modified vessel will reduce sulfur dioxide emissions by 1,435 tons annually, effectively reducing pollution to the marine environment.

Since the start of 2023, ZEME has been implementing vessel desulfurization technology modifications in Zhoushan, Dalian, Guangzhou, Turkey, and other domestic and international locations. As of February 16th, 20 modified and newly built vessels have been delivered to set sail, with another 43 undergoing desulfurization modifications, setting a new record for the number of in-progress modification projects.

Vessel desulfurization modifications involve installing desulfurization scrubber towers on vessels to reduce sulfur oxides in exhaust gases during navigation. The sulfur content in vessel fuels is 500 times that of diesel for vehicles, causing vessel exhaust to pollute the atmosphere. In the past, untreated vessel exhaust would create smoke over the sea surface, increasing the likelihood of respiratory diseases and polluting seawater. In recent years, ZEME has modified over 100 international and domestic vessels annually, reducing sulfur dioxide emissions by over 400,000 tons, effectively mitigating pollution caused by vessel navigation in marine environments.

（The Greek tanker PSALA, retrofited by ZEME, is now on sea trials. Image source: International Shipping Network.）

"During the seven days of the Spring Festival in the Year of the Rabbit, our project managers tracked multiple vessel modification milestones around the clock, with some managing up to seven vessels. Our procurement department ensured adequate supplies of equipment and materials, maintained communication with all parties, and comprehensively addressed equipment parts supply issues during the Spring Festival. Our design team remained in constant contact with the field, solving technical problems and conducting design work simultaneously. Our commissioning team worked around the clock with the attitude of 'not leaving the vessel until successful sea trials,' conducting high-quality sea trials," described Wang Ru'neng, the head of ZEME, about the company's busy scene during the Spring Festival.

（The Greek tanker PSALA, retrofitted by ZEME, is preparing for sea trials. Image source: International Shipping Network.）

Currently, ZEME's vessel desulfurization business covers the top ten global container shipping companies and numerous ocean-going tanker and bulk carrier transport companies. Besides domestic sites, the company also operates in Turkey, Oman, Singapore, and other countries and regions.

In just a few years, ZEME has secured overseas orders worth over $700 million. Its hybrid vessel desulfurization technology has received national first-of-its-kind certification and won the First Prize of Zhejiang Science and Technology Progress Award. The company has completed nearly 200 vessel environmental and energy-saving modification projects, shortening the single-vessel modification period from the industry-standard 60 days to 33 days. ZEME has achieved global leadership in the number of orders held, technical indicators, and engineering services, providing Chinese solutions for global marine environmental governance and the cleaner production of the shipping industry.