rom 1 July 2027, the discharge of wash water from open-loop Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) will be prohibited in coastal waters covered by the OSPAR Convention. This includes countries such as the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and France. A complete ban on all EGCS discharges, including closed-loop systems, will follow from 1 July 2029.
Although the changes are being phased in, vessel owners, technical managers, and training departments should start preparing now to ensure compliance.
Several OSPAR countries (including Denmark, Finland, and Sweden) have already announced national bans beginning as early as 1 July 2025, signalling a wider regulatory shift toward zero-discharge operations.
Iain Bonehill, New Fuels Technical Consultant and Instructor at Stream Marine Training, explains:
“Scrubbers were a popular way of meeting SOx emission limits after the 2020 regulations. It now looks like scrubbers are dropping in popularity, with several authorities announcing restrictions or outright bans.
This shift underlines the growing relevance of alternative fuels such as LNG, Methanol, and Ammonia, none of which contain sulphur and therefore produce no sulphur emissions after combustion.
It’s crucial that companies understand their vessel’s compliance pathway, whether that’s fuel switching, scrubber operation, or zero-discharge alternatives, and are prepared for future changes in legislation.”
Supporting the Transition with Practical Training
Stream Marine Training offers training aligned with evolving environmental regulations, including MCA and BMA-approved IGF courses. We also offer awareness training for future fuels such as Methanol and Ammonia.
👉 Learn more or book a session at streammarinetraining.com
