Holland America Line's MS Zaandam is now featuring new cutting edge emission reduction technology recently installed during a two-week drydock. In cooperation with several united states and Canadian government and regulatory agencies, holland america Line has launched a technology demonstration project, designed to demonstrate the feasibility of using sea water to "scrub," or reduce, engine emissions on oceangoing vessels.

The sea water scrubber system, developed by Krystallon, a subsidiary of BP, uses the natural chemistry of seawater to remove virtually all sulfur oxide (SOx) as well as significantly reduce particulate matter emissions. The sea water is then treated to remove harmful components while the calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in seawater renders the sulfur oxides harmless by conversions to sulfates and neutral salts.

The price tag tops more than $1.5 million and includes assistance of $300,000 from an Environmental Protection Agency grant and a $100,000 contribution from Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. Additional support for the project comes from the Port of Seattle, the Port of Vancouver, Environment Canada, British Columbia Ministry of the Environment and the B.C. Clean Air Research Fund, as well as Krystallon. Each government agency has representatives serving on a technical advisory committee that oversees the development of this project.

Established to develop innovative pollution abatement methodologies, Krystallon is a joint venture between BP Marine, a worldwide supplier of bunker fuels and lubricants, and founding partner Kittiwake, which provides test, measurement and monitoring equipment for fuels, lubricants and water systems globally. The focus of Krystallon is to provide environmental control solutions to the marine industry, marketed through the majority partner BP Marine. Initial design work has developed exhaust gas cleaning systems for large marine engines. This activity underpins the environmental agenda of BP Marine in providing both cleaner fuels and environmental solutions for energy management within the shipping industry. All companies are headquartered in the United Kingdom.