Ship scrubbers supposed to clean fuel are causing ocean pollution

Recent research reveals that ship scrubbers, designed to minimize sulfur emissions, have inadvertently led to significant heavy metal pollution, adversely affecting marine ecosystems. While these scrubbers have successfully lowered sulfur pollution, they have simultaneously discharged heavy metals into the ocean, posing a threat to marine life.

Annually, over 10 billion cubic meters of scrubber water are released, resulting in an estimated $750 million in environmental damage in the Baltic Sea alone. In response, several governments, including Sweden and Denmark, are planning to ban open-loop scrubbers by 2029 to prevent further ecological harm.

One expert stated, “Innovations and new ideas are never perfect, but the industry has finally recognized that this was not the environmental solution they initially envisioned.” Although ship scrubbers were intended as a remedy for sulfur pollution, their unexpected negative effects on marine ecosystems have proven costly. Addressing this issue is essential for safeguarding ocean biodiversity and minimizing additional environmental damage.