Krystallon has been developing innovative pollution abatement methodologies since 2003 to provide an answer to imminent European air pollution legislation.

It recently became a joint venture, with BP Marine taking an equity stake alongside founding partner Kittiwake. Its focus is to provide environmental control solutions to the marine industry, marketed through majority partner BP Marine.

Initial results with the Pride of Kent indicate no measurable sulphur dioxide (SO 2) emissions after scrubbing despite the vessel using 2% sulphur fuel. The Krystallon sea water scrubber test results are not only below the level required by the IMO's Sulphur Emissions Control Areas (SECAs) but they may also comply with the even more stringent in port requirements of the European Union, which come into force in January 2010.

Don Gregory, director for environment and sustainability at BP Marine said, 'P&O Ferries has led the field in supporting this pioneering work and has underlined its commitment to environmental policy in reducing emissions of SO 2both at sea and in the ferry ports they use.

'With SECAs requiring sulphur emissions of 1.5% maximum, sea water scrubbers may be the cheapest long term solution for vessels spending a significant portion of their time in the SECA. Sea water scrubbing from Krystallon enables vessels to reduce sulphur emissions without requiring changes of fuel or modification to engine design.

'The results of our first shipboard installation have been dramatic and even more successful than we had anticipated.'

MJ Information No: 21528