This year's Annual Review reports strong financial results, continued strategic progress and enhanced support for shipowners operating in an increasingly complex and uncertain global environment.
Please use the tabs at the top of this page, or the arrows at the bottom, to move between each section of the report.
Many ports and regions have already stated that they will not allow the discharge of wash water from open-loop scrubbers.
The table below summarises our understanding of the positions taken by ports that have or will prohibit the use of scrubbers or have placed conditions on their use. This information is to the best of our knowledge and is for guidance only. For up to date and definitive information, you should contact the local authorities or your agents.
OSPAR, derived from the original Oslo and Paris conventions, is a regional agreement protecting the North-East Atlantic marine environment. They announced on 26 June 2025 a regional scrubber ban, details can be found here. Open-loop scrubber discharges will be banned in internal waters and ports from 1 July 2027, followed by a ban on closed-loop discharges from 1 January 2029.
The covered areas can be found here, and the table below highlights the 15 member countries (excluding landlocked Luxembourg & Switzerland).
This information has been researched and gathered in collaboration with the Clean Shipping Alliance, and we are grateful to our network of correspondents and local sources for their valuable contributions.
We also thank our members who have kindly shared their experiences when visiting ports where there may be restrictions.
Country | Last update | Open loop EGCS discharge allowed? | Regional ban | Comments |
American Samoa | 02/2024 | No | None | In February 2024, a club Member shared advice they had received, informing that open loop EGCS operation was not permitted in Pago Pago. |
Argentina | 12/08/2025 | Yes – however certain areas excluded | None | Argentine coast guard inform that resolution DISFC-2020-22-APN-DPAM#PNA remains in force which suspended the application to ban the use of open loop scrubbers. As it stands, open loop scrubbers are allowed for use in Argentina national waters. |
Australia | 12/2022 | Yes – conditional and with exceptions | None | AMSA has issued this notice. The use of an EGCS is permitted in Australian waters as an option to comply with the low sulphur fuel requirements of MARPOL Annex VI AMSA is currently investigating the potential impacts of EGCS wash water discharges on Australian port environments and has commissioned a study to assess the potential cumulative impacts of wash water discharges from open-loop EGCS over time. The EGCS must be approved by the vessel’s flag State Administration, or a recognised organisation appointed by the flag State. The EGCS must also be operated in accordance with IMO requirements, including the IMO 2021 guidelines. Prior to being discharged into Australian waters, EGCS wash water must comply with discharge water quality criteria set out in the 2021 EGCS Guidelines. While there are no prohibitions on the discharge of wash water from EGCS in Australian waters, some port Authorities may encourage vessels to avoid discharging wash water within port limits. The Clean Shipping Alliance advise: Port of Sydney: Cruise ships capable of accommodating more than 100 passengers in Sydney Harbour are required to use either low sulphur (maximum 0.10% m/m) fuel or an alternative measure that achieves an equivalent outcome i.e., EGCS. Port of Hastings: Discharges from EGCS into Westernport waters are not permitted. This is a more precautionary restriction on EGCS use based on the interpretation of the port regulations by the harbor master. |
Bahrain | 21/07/2025 | Not permitted in port or at anchorage | None | MARINE NOTICE: PMA/03/2019 states that open loop operation is not allowed in port or within their anchorage areas. Open loop operation is permitted in Bahraini territorial waters and EEZ if discharge of wash water meets MEPC.259(68) standards and causes no harm to marine ecosystems. Master of any vessels shall obtain a permit from Marine Safety & Environment Protection Directorate (MSEPD) at PMA before undertaking any discharge of wash water. Ships intending to discharge wash water must submit their request to MSEPD via msep@mtt.gov.bh |
Belgium | 04/07/2025 | Not permitted within 3nm of coast | OSPAR | Belgian federal law states discharge only allowed in coastal and open seawaters when at least 3nm off coast. Discharges must not imperil EU Water Framework Directive objectives. Flemish regional law also confirms discharge not allowed in ports or inland waters. |
Belize | 12/12/2018 | Not permitted in port or territorial waters | None | The Clean Shipping Alliance advise: Discharge of Exhaust Gas Cleaning Wash Water prohibited in territorial waters and port areas (Marine Circular 01/2018 – BPA/MS/23-1/2018(98) dated 12/12/2018). |
Bermuda | 17/07/2025 | Closed loop operation only | None | As per Bermuda environmental policy for ships, found here, wash water and residue from the EGCS shall not be disposed of in Bermuda or discharged into Bermuda’s waters but shall be stored on board the ship until outside of Bermuda’s waters (i.e. Once approved the operation of EGCS shall only be in the ‘Closed’ configuration). |
Brazil | 30/08/2022 | Current legislation allows discharge but is not consistently applied No discharge at Vale terminals No discharge at Port of Santos | None | Prior to 23 July 2020, advice received from local correspondents was the discharge of effluents generated by Scrubbers or Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) is not allowed and the vessel, when in Brazilian waters, must operate with fuel within specifications (sulphur content up to 0.50% m/m). This was based on existing provisions in national legislation, namely Law 9.966/00. Correspondents Brazmar advised on 23 July 2020 that the Directorate of Ports and Coasts (DPC) / Navy changed their position, and that the discharge of wash water from open loop and/or hybrid Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) is allowed within Brazilian Jurisdictional Waters until a competent environmental authority provides an assessment. Following further advice received in August 2022, we understand that: the assessment by a competent authority remains outstanding. the position of the Directorate of Ports and Coasts (DPC) and the Brazilian Navy to allow discharge is not consistently applied throughout the country. As such, there is no guarantee that other national and regional authorities will permit open loop operation in their jurisdictional waters. Vale instruct arriving vessels that the discharge of EGCS washwater is not allowed while operating in its Brazilian ports and terminals. Vale recommends that vessels should be changed over to compliant fuel before entering contiguous zone or coastal waters (24 nautical miles from coastline). Correspondents Proinde advised on 12 December 2022 that Santos Port Authority (SPA) has joined those who have expressly prohibited the operation of open-loop scrubbers and washwater discharges. The Clean Shipping Alliance advised in 2021: |
Canada | 01/03/2022 | Not permitted in Vancouver
| None | The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s (VFPA) will prohibit the discharge of wash water from exhaust gas cleaning systems when vessels are anchored in the port or moored at a berth from 1 March 2022. The VFPA have indicated that the VFPA’s Harbour Patrol crew will be responsible for enforcement activities through random checks on vessels. |
China (P.R.) | 16/09/2025 | Not permitted in all of China’s Domestic Emission Control Areas (DECAs).
| None | China MSA guidance prohibits the discharge of wash water from open- loop scrubbers in China DECAs. This is outlined in section 4 of the document found here. A list of China DECAs can be found here. The guidelines also prohibit the incineration of the water washing residues from any type of exhaust gas scrubber. Ships are required to keep accurate records of the stowage and disposal of the retained wash water. |
Croatia | 27/10/2017 | Not permitted in port
| None | The Clean Shipping Alliance advise that the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Notice from 27/10/2017 states only closed loop operation is allowed. |
Cyprus | 23/09/2025 | Prohibited see comments | None | The CPA (Cyprus Port Authority) released their revised environmental waste management rules for vessels in January 2025. Page 7 of the document states only the use of closed loop scrubbers is permitted in port areas and dock basins, open loop scrubbers are prohibited. It is noted, on a case-by-case basis, requests for the use of open loop scrubbers may be granted taking into account paragraph (3) subsection (3) of the Cyprus Ports Authority (Operation of Port Areas) Decree of 2016. |
Denmark | 04/07/2025 | Not permitted after 1 July 2025 | OSPAR | Danish legislation will prevent any discharge of wash water and residues from open loop scrubbers within Danish territorial waters effective from July 1, 2025. Under the agreement, ships must switch to either compliant fuel or closed-loop scrubbers. |
Egypt | 17/09/2025 | Prohibited
| None | Egypt has not ratified MARPOL Annex VI, so there are no sulphur limits or scrubber requirements. However, discharging wash water from open-loop scrubbers is prohibited in Egyptian waters. Suez Canal Authority has issued this circular which outlines the requirements. Clarification on this circular is provided here. Those transiting or visiting Egyptian waters are advised to retain all wash water onboard or switch to a compliant fuel. |
Estonia | 21/10/2019 | Yes – conditional | None | Circular Number 4 (21.10.19) refers to paragraph 10.1.6.1 of MEPC 184(59) and the restrictions on discharging chemical EGCS wash water including enclosed ports and estuaries. See circular here. Exceptions for discharge into the sea are made if the ship operator can demonstrate that the washing water meets international requirements, required pH levels and does not cause adverse effects on human health or the environment. Prior authorisation is always required to discharge into the port area. The Water Act which entered into force on 01.10.2019 does not treat washing water discharges as a violation of pollutant discharge from ships, if in compliance with MARPOL. The use of closed-loop EGCS is permitted in the territorial waters and ports of Estonia, if it meets the relevant requirements and is certified, however discharging of the waste water is not permitted. |
Finland | 04/07/2025 | No
| OSPAR | Finnish legislation will prevent any discharge of wash water and residues from open loop scrubbers within Finland territorial waters effective from July 1, 2025. |
France | 04/07/2025 | Not permitted within 3nm
| OSPAR | Open loop scrubbers are banned within France as highlighted within this report from ICCT. The Budd Group advise that the prohibition took effect on 1 January 2022. Compliance with the measure will be monitored by ship safety inspectors. The penalties applicable in the event of an infringement may start at 4,000 euros for the Master of the vessel and go up to 7 years’ imprisonment and a fine of 10.5 million euros depending on the vessel concerned. |
Germany | 04/07/2025 | Not permitted in Inland Waterways, canals and ports within inland waterways
| OSPAR | Open loop scrubbers are banned within German inland waterways and ports as highlighted here on the German maritime authority website. |
Ghana | 31/12/2024 | No | None | Maritime circular 019 issued by Ghana Maritime Authority, outlines discharge from open loop scrubbers is not permitted in Ghanaian territorial waters. Any use of closed loop systems, or hybrid systems in a closed mode, must only discharge their wastewater to suitable port facilities. |
Gibraltar | Not permitted in port or in territorial waters
| None | Closed loop scrubbers are permitted in Gibraltar waters, Hybrid scrubbers operating in closed loop mode are also permitted. Open loop scrubber are temporarily not permitted as a precautionary measure until the Gibraltar Government arrives at a definitive policy decision with regards to (solely) open loop scrubbers. | |
Greece | 22/05/2025 | Yes – conditional | None | Greece allows the use of scrubbers providing they comply with the IMO guidelines set out in MEPC.340(77). Guidance provided by our correspondents, Kalimbassieris Maritime, share that according to the Common Ministerial Decision, the discharge of wash water from open-loop scrubbers into the sea—including within enclosed ports, harbours, and estuaries—is permitted, provided that the scrubbers do not utilise chemicals, additives, preparations, or any related substances produced in situ. |
Guinea | 31/12/2024 | Some ports allow under certain requirements | None | Port of Boke & Kamsar – Open and closed loop scrubbers can be used within the waters of Boke and Kamsar if the following requirements are met:
Information provided by local port state control |
Hong Kong | 21/09/2025 | Prohibited | None | As per the Air Pollution Control (Fuel for Vessels) Regulation (Cap. 311AB), found here, the owner, master or agent of the vessel is required to apply for an exemption under section 7(1)(a) if a scrubber is to be used to comply with the sulphur limit of 0.50%. Application for exemption must be in writing and submitted at least 14 days before the vessel enters Hong Kong waters. The Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department advise that the scrubbers must be operated in closed-loop mode. |
Iceland | 17/07/2025 | Not permitted within 3nm | OSPAR | In Iceland, the discharge of liquid substances from ships is prohibited within three nautical miles of the territorial sea baseline, in accordance with Paragraph 3, Article 8 of Act No. 33/2004 on the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea and Coasts. |
India | 18/09/2025 | Yes | None | Permitted in accordance with circular DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF SHIPPING, MUMBAI – DGS Circular No 02 of 2023, found here. The Director General of Shipping, requires any port or local authority proposing to prohibit open loop operation from their port or imposing any additional requirements, including, changeover to low sulphur fuel oil, shall submit their request to the Director General of Shipping. A list of such ports where entry/berthing of ships with alternate means of compliance to IMO 2020 is prohibited shall be published on DGS web site. No port in India shall prohibit or impose additional measures on ships certified for alternate means of compliance to IMO 2020, unless authorised by the competent authority as above. Presently, there is no such list on the DGS website. |
Indonesia | 26/10/2025 | Not permitted in port or anchorage areas | None | Although no official guidance or circular has been issued, our Indonesian correspondents, Spica Services, confirm that both Jakarta Port State Control and the Taboneo Port Authorities strictly prohibit the discharge of any material, including wash water from an open-loop scrubber, within port and anchorage areas. |
Ireland | 04/07/2025 | Not permitted in ports of Dublin, Cork and Waterford. Not permitted within 3nm of all ports, effective from July 2027.
| OSPAR | Dublin: Refer to Port of Dublin’s NOTICE TO MARINERS No. 37 of 2018 Prohibition on the Discharge of Exhaust Gas Scrubber Wash Water found here. Port of Waterford information found here. The Clean Shipping Alliance advise: Cork: Notice to Mariners 15/2018 dated 12/01/2018 “Prohibition on the Discharge of Exhaust Gas Scrubber Wash Water” can be read here. |
Israel | 15/09/2025 | Prohibited | None | Official notice MP27, dated 11 January 2023, issued by the State of Israel Ministry of Transport, outlines the new fuel sulphur regulations. It states that discharging of wash water from open loop mode EGCS (scrubber) is prohibited when a ship is berthing alongside in any Israeli port, including the ports anchorage area. Use of a closed loop EGCS must adhere to all IMO regulations with full maintenance records kept onboard and crew fully competent and trained in its use. Operators must report Annex VI details on arrival, here. Read the notice here. |
Italy | 22/05/2025 | Yes – not all ports | None | The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport Coast Guard Headquarters in circular n.132/2017/Rev.1 set out the national requirements for the use of scrubbers onboard ships in Italian waters. Use of scrubbers are allowed provided they meet all IMO guidance for operation, maintenance and certification. |
Ivory Coast | 01/10/2025 | Not permitted in port or territorial waters | None | Budd P&I correspondents in Abidjan confirm local officials, agents and harbour masters advise against the discharge of wash water in Ivorian waters and closed loop operation is preferable. |
Jordan | 11/09/2025 | Prohibited | None | Jordan Shipping Association, notice 1/6/6/2400, issued in 2023, strictly prohibits the use of open loop scrubbers in the port of Aqaba. Only closed loop is accepted where a vessel requires the use of an EGCS, with all wash water retained onboard. |
Kenya | 19/09/2025 | Not permitted within Kenyan port limits
| None | Kenya Maritime Authority updated their guidance on the implementation of IMO sulphur limits on 24/04/2025. Most of the guidance remains unchanged from 2020 and can be found here. The guidance from December 2019, found here, outlines wash water discharge in section 7. Section 7.1 clearly states discharge from open-loop scrubbers is prohibited in the Kenyan Ports limits. |
Latvia | Yes – conditional
| None | Although there are no specific regulations prohibiting the use of open-loop scrubbers, local correspondents advise that national authorities are taking the general position that the discharge of wash-water from open-loops scrubbers is not permitted in territorial and port waters. The Clean Shipping Alliance advise: Maritime Administration of Latvia informs: According to national legislation there are no restrictions on discharge of wash water from open loop scrubber systems in Latvia (within the territorial sea of Latvia). Harbour Master Port of Riga informs: There are no special rules regulating operation of class-approved exhaust gas cleaning system operation in port of Riga, therefore discharge of washwater generated by the open loop EGCS is allowed in the port. | |
Lithuania | 23/09/2025 | Yes – conditional | None | Lithuania have published guidance, here, updated in November 2024. Under section “criteria for the application of pollution reduction methods” scrubbers are mentioned, and the discharge of wash water is prohibited, unless the ship operator can demonstrate that the water does not have an environmental impact. The guidelines reference the use of caustic soda only, and must comply with MEPC.184(59) where wash water is detailed in section 10. |
Malaysia | 23/09/2025 | Not permitted within territorial waters, but can be used in the Straits of Malacca. | None | Malaysia shipping notice MSN 07/2019 prohibits the use of open loop scrubbers within 12 nautical miles from land. 29/09/2025Vessels calling at Malaysian ports must operate in closed loop mode or change over to compliant fuel before arrival. However, shipping notice MSN 08/2019, clarifies vessels which are transiting the straits of Malacca with no intention of entering a Malaysian port are exempt from complying with MSN 07/2019. |
Malta | 22/05/2025 | Yes – conditional | None | Transport notice (01/2025) sets out the sulphur requirements for Maltese waters. Section ii. Sets out the acceptance for vessels to use scrubbers as per IMO guidelines set out in MEPC.340(77). Vessels wishing to use scrubbers in Maltese waters must notify the authority and REWS (Regulator for Energy and Water Services) before arrival. |
Maldives | 10/12/2025 | Prohibited | None | No official marine circular or law exists from Maldives covering scrubbers. However, our correspondents (Intermac Services & GAC) advise the discharge of any pollutant, including scrubber wash water, is not permitted. Vessels are advised to contact MPL for further clarification on scrubber acceptance before making a port call. |
Mauritius | 25/09/2025 | Prohibited but see comments | None | Republic of Mauritius enforce Merchant Shipping Notice 2 of 2019 which outlines the implementation of the 0.50% sulphur cap. |
Mexico | 25/09/2025 | Prohibited | None | Article 76 of Mexican Laws on Navigation and Maritime Trade (Ley de Navegacion y Comercio Maritimos) prohibits the discharge of any hydrocarbon, specifically listing wastewater as being prohibited. This is understood to include the wastewater from scrubbers. Disposal ashore can be arranged with certified companies in Mexico. |
Morocco | 31/12/2024 | No | None | According to Moroccan law 71-18, Article 64 prohibits the discharge of any hydrocarbon mixtures, while Article 125 outlines the maximum penalties for violations. Therefore, it is advised to operate scrubbers in closed-loop mode. |
Mozambique | 31/12/2024 | Not permitted in port of Maputo | None | Open loop scrubbers are not permitted in Maputo port. Closed loop scrubbers are permitted. Vessels with no ability to operate in closed loop mode must use compliant fuel of 0.1% Sulphur inside the port marine jurisdiction area and during their port stay. This is in line with Maputo document number MPDC-PR-QU-04. |
Namibia | Yes | None | In February 2024, a club Member shared advise they received that no restrictions in place at the port of Walvis Bay. | |
Netherlands | 04/07/2025 | Port specific bans
Not permitted within 3nm of all ports, effective from July 2027 | OSPAR | Amsterdam, effective from 1 January 2025, impose a restriction on the discharge of wash water from open loop scrubbers in their port, please see information here. |
New Zealand | 08/03/2023 | Yes – but discouraged | None | See Maritime NZ issue ‘Guidance on the use of exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers) for ports, regional authorities and ships’ here. The guidance is non-statutory, but MNZ encourages the industry to implement the following measures until work currently underway in respect to the use of scrubbers has been completed. They request that all ships carrying scrubbers and operating in New Zealand’s territorial waters engage with the relevant port and regional authorities, and as a precautionary measure that where possible they avoid discharging scrubber effluent close to shore by utilising alternate options such as: preparing for entry into New Zealand waters by carrying compliant low sulphur fuel in order to use this when operating in sensitive environments, as identified by the relevant regional authorities. operating closed loop scrubber functionality in zero discharge mode and retaining any effluent on board until able to dispose of at the next available port facility. discharging any open loop scrubber washwater outside territorial waters. |
Nigeria | 20/12/2024 | No | None | Within Nigerian territorial waters and all their pilotage districts, discharge of open loop scrubber wash water cannot take place. Ships fitted with hybrid systems should switch to closed loop mode, whilst ships fitted with open loop scrubbers should switch to compliant fuels. Guidelines taken from Notice to Mariners, public notice No. 4148, issued by https://nigerianports.gov.ng/ |
Norway | 04/07/2025 | Port specific bans. Not permitted within 3nm of all ports, effective from July 2027.
| OSPAR | The World Heritage Fjords sea areas of Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord restrict the use of open loop scrubbers, but not closed loop. Section 14b of the relevant Norwegian Maritime Authority’s regulation can be accessed here. Eidfjord – closed loop operation recommended as found here. |
Oman | 25/09/2025 | Prohibited | None | Sultane of Oman, Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology issued Maritime Notice 9/2020, which prohibits ships from discharging wash water into Omani ports and territorial waters. Vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz may enter Omani territorial waters; therefore, Maritime Notice 9/2020 also applies. |
Pakistan | 26/09/2025 | Prohibited in port
| None | The Government of Pakistan Ministry of Maritime Affairs (Ports and Shipping) Circular 001/2020 prohibits the discharge of wash-water from open loop scrubbers. This is outlined in section 8. |
Panama | 29/09/2025 | Not permitted in Panama Canal
| None | Panama Canal issued a notice to shipping covering vessel requirements which can be found here. On Page 77 and 78, the fuel requirements are outlines regarding changing over to compliant fuel, stating those using scrubbers must operate in closed loop mode. |
Poland | 07/10/2025 | Prohibited within port boundaries | None | Order No.9 of 2018 covering port regulations from the Director of the Maritime Office in Gdynia, was updated in 2024. Updates can be found here. Paragraph 92, section 8, was updated to state the use of open loop scrubbers within port boundaries is prohibited. |
Portugal | 04/07/2025 | Not permitted in ports of Aveiro, Leixoes, Lisbon and Sines. Not permitted within 3nm of all ports, effective from July 2027 | OSPAR | Use of open loop scrubbers are not allowed in ports of Aveiro, Leixoes, Lisbon and Sines from entry of the ship into the port, along the port channel and at berth (moored), until the ship leaves the port. Only closed loop operation is allowed. This is highlighted in here in a 2023 ICCT report. |
Qatar | Not permitted in ports or territorial waters | None | The Clean Shipping Alliance advise: Qatar Petroleum MIC [Mesaieed Industrial City] Port Information and Regulations Guide – January 2020 states: “Also, as per Qatari Environmental Law, wash water originated from the open loop scrubbers, containing chemicals and /or metals are PROHIBITED to be discharged in Qatari waters.” | |
Romania | Not permitted within port limits
| None | The Clean Shipping Alliance advise: Information from Romanian Naval Authority dated 30/03/2021 states there is no restriction of using open‐loop EGCS into Romanian territorial waters but use is forbidden within port limits. | |
Saudi Arabia | 10/12/2025 | Prohibited | None | As detailed in Circular 55-2020, Saudi Port Authorities have banned exhaust wash water discharges from open loop EGCS systems in Saudi ports until an environmental standard is issued in this regard. The Circular also states that the General Authority of Meteorology and Environmental Protection (GAMEP) prevent discharge into territorial waters. |
Singapore | Not permitted
| None | Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) ban on the use of open loop scrubbers took effect on 1 January 2020. See advisory here. The Clean Shipping Alliance advise: This ban not apply to ships transiting the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) without calling into the Port of Singapore. | |
Slovenia | Not permitted in ports or territorial waters
| None | The Clean Shipping Alliance advise: Information from the Slovenian Maritime Authority dated 23/03/2021 refers to “Water Act” (Official gaz. no. 67/02) in detail: the Article 66, paragraph 4. The discharge of washwater of open-loop EGCS is prohibited, furthermore even the use of an open-loop EGCS in Slovenian waters is prohibited (only closed-loop EGCS is allowed). Article 66 (navigational practices related to water pollution): (4) Waste water generated on vessels shall be prohibited from being discharged into waters directly from vessels, except for unpolluted cooling. water. | |
Spain | 04/07/2025 | Not permitted in ports of Algeciras, Valencia, Cartagena and Huelva. Restricted use in Bilbao and Cadiz. Not permitted within 3nm of all ports, effective from July 2027 | OSPAR | Correspondents advise to check with each particular Harbour Master and Port Authority. They further advise that the use of open loop scrubbers is prohibited at the Spanish ports of Algeciras, Cartagena, Valencia and Huelva. The Clean Shipping Alliance advise in ports of Bilbao and Cadiz the use of EGCS is restricted within port limits. Documentation must be submitted and approved by the harbour master before EGCS can be used in port. |
South Africa | 31/12/2024 | Yes | None | Maritime notice No.8 of 2019, stipulates that the use of all scrubbers is allowed as long as they are maintained and approved by the relevant authorities in line with IMO MEPC.259(68). |
Sri Lanka | 10/12/2025 | Prohibited | None | No marine circular or specific laws stipulate that scrubbers are not permitted. However, the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) of Sri Lanka advise that discharge of scrubber water is not permitted in Sri Lankan waters. |
Sweden | 04/07/2025 | Open loop scrubbers not permitted after 1 July 2025. Closed loop scrubbers not permitted after 1 January 2029. Some ports already impose restrictions reflected in comment. | OSPAR | Stockholm – North’s correspondents advise that there is an open loop scrubber ban in Stockholm. Trelleborg – Chalmers University in Gothenburg advise of ban of open loop scrubbers in port of Trelleborg. See section 29 of the Swedish language version of the Trelleborg port regulations here. Gothenburg: The Clean Shipping Alliance advise port regulation item 8.10: It is not permitted to discharge contaminated water within the port area. Scrubbers used for exhaust gas cleaning are only permitted if operated in close loop mode. Further details can be found here. Petroport, Stenungsund – See section 12 of harbour regulations which state “Vessels calling at the Port are not allowed to use Open-loop System for scrubbers”. Harbour regulations can be found here. |
Togo | 09/09/2025 | Not permitted in port or anchorage areas | Togo Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport released circular AU 04/2020 found here. This circular outlines the use of open loop scrubbers, stating their use is not authorised within Togolese ports or anchorage areas, as the Togolese maritime administration does not have the means to verify ships are meeting the MARPOL discharge quality requirements. Further, our correspondents confirm VLSFO (<0.50% Sulphur) can be used within port and anchorage areas and the discharge of other matter, including grey water, must be liaised with port officials beforehand. | |
Turkey | Not permitted in ports or territorial waters
| None | Vitsan Mümessillik ve Müşavirlik A.Ş advise that the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization of Turkey announced on 6 April 2021 that washwater discharge of open-loop scrubbers is prohibited in Turkish waters. Vessels operating with open-loop scrubber must switch sulphur-compliant fuels when entering / sailing in Turkish waters. Turkish authorities may impose a pollution fine on vessels that do not comply with the regulation. Vitsan circular regarding the scrubber usage in Turkey can be read here. The Turkish Chamber of Shipping Circular on the subject can be read here. | |
United Kingdom | 04/07/2025 | Port specific bans as highlighted in the comments Not permitted within 3nm of all ports, effective from July 2027 | OSPAR | The MCA does not impose any restrictions on the use of scrubbers, only guidance provided here. However, ports may have their own restrictions and we advise checking with local authorities. Forth Ports, and Port of Dundee Byelaw 59, specifically prohibits the discharge of materials into the Forth and Tay. This applies to discharge water from an Open Loop scrubbers. Therefore, the use of Open Loop scrubbers on the Forth and Tay is prohibited until further notice, as highlighted here. The Milford Haven port authority within the maritime notice found here, advises on the prohibition of discharge of exhaust gas scrubber wash water. Belfast harbour notice found here, prohibits the use of open loop scrubbers. |
United States | 31/03/2026 | Varies depending on the state | Specific requirements for individual states exist. See section 6 of the 2013 VGP for further guidance as well as some highlighted below. | In the US, the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA) has been enacted but is not yet fully implemented, pending enforcement by the U.S. Coast Guard, which is expected in late 2026. |
United States – Alaska | 31/03/2026 | Strict discharge requirements | None | Alaska’s regional Water Quality Standards, outlined in 18 AAC 70, may impose stricter wash water limits. For example, marine water pH must typically fall between 6.5 and 8.5. To ensure full compliance, vessels should aim to meet the most stringent applicable requirements |
United States – California | 31/03/2026 | Not permitted in ports or territorial waters | None | The Californian At Berth Regulations (ABR) does not permit the use of exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers) as a means of compliance. Vessels must instead use shore power or a CARB-approved alternative control technology to reduce emissions while at berth. |
United States – Connecticut | 31/03/2026 | Not permitted | None | VGP 2013, Section 6.5.9, states discharge of exhaust gas scrubber washwater into Connecticut waters from any vessel covered under the VGP or sVGP is prohibited. |
United States – Georgia | 31/03/2026 | Strict discharge requirements | None | Gerogia’s regional Water Quality Standards may impose stricter wash water limits. For example, marine water pH must typically fall between 6.0 and 8.5. To ensure full compliance, vessels should aim to meet the most stringent applicable requirements |
United States – Washington | 31/03/2026 | Strict discharge requirements | None | Table 6.7.1 of the VGP 2013 may impose stricter wash water limits in Hawaii. For example, turbidity in salt waters has a lower limit of 5.0 NTU compared with 25 under the VGP. Vessels should aim to meet the most stringent applicable requirements. |
United States – Hawaii | 31/03/2026 | Strict discharge requirements | None | Additional requirements under VGP 2013 Section 6.6. The State of Hawaii (Clean Water Branch) issued ‘Blanket Section 401’ Water Quality Criteria (WQC). This covers 27 categories of effluent discharge from an applicable vessel (EGCS washwater being one) that have received the best control or treatment into waters of the State of Hawaii incidental to the normal operation of the applicable vessels. |
United Arab Emirates – Abu Dhabi | Yes – permitted | None | The Clean Shipping Alliance advise: “Abu Dhabi Ports confirm that according to their national legislation, the use of closed and open loop exhaust gas cleaning systems is permitted (with restriction) in all Abu Dhabi Ports limits, provided that they comply with IMO/MARPOL annex VI requirements and standards.” “From 1st January 202O onward, all UAE flagged vessels and foreign flagged vessels entering UAE waters, are to use fuel oil of Sulphur content not exceeding 0.50% m/m (hereinafter referred to as compliant fuel oil). Exemptions apply to vessels using alternative measures like EGCS (Exhaust Gas Cleaning System, “Scrubber”) or other fuels that comply with the required emission levels.” The full text of the communications is available here: | |
United Arab Emirates – Fujairah | Not permitted in port or territorial waters | None | Notice to Mariners No. 252 from Port Fujairah prohibits use of open loop scrubbers in its waters. | |
United Arab Emirates – Dubai | Not permitted in port or territorial waters | None | The Clean Shipping Alliance advise: Guidelines for Vessels Calling to Dubai Territorial Waters states that the use of EGCS is prohibited within Dubai territorial waters. |
