Marine Scrubber Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Technology (Wet Technology, Dry Technology), By Application (Bulk Carriers, Container Ships, Cruises), By Installation, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Marine Scrubber Market Size & Trends

The global marine scrubber market size was estimated at USD 5.88 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 14.0% from 2024 to 2030. The environmental regulations are primarily driving market growth. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations mandate a significant reduction in sulfur emissions from ships. Marine scrubbers, which remove sulfur oxides (SOx) from ship exhaust gases, offer a compliant solution for vessel operators aiming to meet these stringent emission standards without switching to low-sulfur fuels, thereby fostering market growth.

Cost efficiency is another significant factor boosting demand for marine scrubbers or Exhaust Gas Cleaning systems (ESGS). While switching to low-sulfur fuels is an alternative compliance method, it often involves higher operational costs due to the price differential between low-sulfur marine and traditional heavy fuels. Marine scrubbers provide a cost-effective solution by allowing ships to continue using economical high-sulfur fuels while achieving compliance with emissions regulations. Over time, this can result in substantial cost savings for ship owners and operators.

Drivers, Opportunities & Restraints

The growing awareness of environmental sustainability among stakeholders in the maritime industry has driven the adoption of scrubber technologies. Shipowners and operators are increasingly focused on reducing their environmental footprint and demonstrating corporate responsibility. Marine scrubbers, by reducing air pollutants such as sulfur and particulate matter, contribute to cleaner air quality and support sustainability goals within the maritime sector.

Despite its promising growth prospects, cost considerations pose a significant hurdle to widespread adoption. One of the significant barriers to adoption is the high upfront cost associated with installing marine scrubber systems. The initial investment includes not only the cost of the scrubber unit itself but also installation expenses and potential retrofitting of existing ships. This can deter some ship owners from investing in scrubber technology, especially for older vessels.

The expansion of Emission Control Areas (ECAs) and stricter emission regulations in key maritime regions, such as Europe and North America, create opportunities for scrubber installations. Shipowners operating in these areas may opt for scrubber systems to comply with local regulations and avoid higher fuel costs associated with low-sulfur fuels.

Technology Insights

“The demand for dry scrubber is expected to grow at a significant CAGR of 14.6% from 2024 to 2030 in terms of revenue”

The wet scrubber segment accounted for 89.6% of the revenue share in 2023. Advancements in wet scrubber designs, including hybrid systems combining open-loop and closed-loop configurations, enhance operational flexibility and adaptability to different environmental conditions and regulatory requirements. As environmental regulations continue to evolve, wet scrubber technology is expected to play a crucial role in supporting sustainable shipping practices and reducing the maritime industry's environmental footprint.

Dry scrubber technology is gaining traction in the marine industry due to its versatility and efficiency in reducing sulfur emissions from ship exhaust gases. Unlike wet scrubbers that use liquid mediums, dry scrubbers employ solid sorbents, such as limestone or sodium bicarbonate, to chemically react with sulfur oxides and other pollutants in the exhaust stream. One of the primary drivers for the adoption of dry scrubbers is their ability to operate independently of seawater availability, making them suitable for vessels operating in areas with limited access to clean water or strict discharge regulations.

Application Insights

“The demand for the container ships segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR of 14.6% from 2024 to 2030 in terms of revenue”

The bulk containers segment accounted for 31.9% of the revenue share in 2023 and is expected to expand at a significant CAGR from 2024 to 2030, driven by ongoing research and development in scrubber technology. Advancements in hybrid scrubbers and other innovative technologies provide more options and flexibility for ship operators, making scrubbers an attractive solution for emission reduction. Moreover, the need to comply with emission regulations is another factor contributing to a growing demand for marine scrubbers for bulk containers.

The growth of the global economy and increasing trade volumes contribute to higher demand for maritime transportation, including container ships. As trade volumes continue to rise, there is a need for container ships to meet the growing operational needs, which include compliance with emission regulations. This drives the adoption of marine scrubbers to reduce emissions and ensure compliance.

Installation Insights

“The new builds segment is expected to grow at a rapid CAGR of 14.6% from 2024 to 2030 in terms of revenue”

The retrofit segmented held 77.5% of the global revenue share in 2023. Retrofit installations of marine scrubbers are driven by ship owners extending the operational lifespan of their fleets by retrofitting scrubber systems onto older vessels that were originally designed to operate on high-sulfur fuels. This approach offers significant economic benefits compared to switching to more expensive low-sulfur fuels, as scrubbers enable vessels to continue using economical high-sulfur fuels while achieving compliance with emissions regulations.

The demand for marine scrubbers in new build installations is driven by factors that cater to the evolving regulatory landscape sand industry trends. First and foremost, shipbuilders and owners are increasingly incorporating scrubber systems into new vessel designs to ensure compliance with stringent emissions regulations, such as the IMO 2020 sulfur cap and regional emission control areas (ECAs).

Regional Insights

“Asia Pacific to witness fastest market growth at 15.9% CAGR over the forecast period.”

The Asia Pacific marine scrubber market’s growth is driven by the rising shipbuilding activities in the region. This is a hub for shipbuilding, with major shipyards located in countries like South Korea and China. As new vessels are constructed, shipbuilders and owners are increasingly integrating scrubber systems during the new build phase to ensure compliance with global emission standards. This trend drives the demand for scrubber technologies and installations across the region.

The marine scrubber market in China is expected to expand significantly from 2024 to 2030 due to supportive government policies and incentives. The Chinese government has introduced policies and incentives to promote the adoption of clean technologies and reduce environmental impact across industries, including shipping. These initiatives encourage investments in scrubber technology and facilitate compliance with emissions regulations through financial support, subsidies, and favorable regulatory frameworks, thereby fostering market growth.

Technological advancements and innovations in automation play a significant role in driving the growth of the HIPPS market in China. The integration of smart sensors, data analytics, and real-time monitoring capabilities enhances the performance and reliability of HIPPS systems, enabling proactive management of operational risks and predictive maintenance practices. Chinese industries are increasingly adopting Industry 4.0 principles and digital transformation strategies to optimize production processes, reduce downtime, and improve overall operational efficiency. HIPPS equipped with advanced technologies contributes to these objectives by enhancing safety standards and supporting sustainable industrial development.

Europe Marine Scrubber Market Trends

In Europe, the growth of the marine scrubber market is primarily driven by stringent regulatory frameworks. The European Union (EU) has implemented stringent emissions regulations, including the Sulphur Directive and the EU Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) Regulation, aimed at reducing sulfur emissions from ships operating in European waters and ports. Marine scrubbers enable vessels to comply with these regulations by removing sulfur oxides (SOx) from exhaust gases, thereby supporting EU efforts to improve air quality and public health.

North America Marine Scrubber Market Trends

Market competitiveness is a driving factor in North America. Scrubber-equipped vessels gain a competitive edge by offering cost-effective compliance solutions compared to vessels relying solely on low-sulfur fuels or alternative technologies. Ship owners and operators in the region are increasingly investing in scrubber systems to enhance operational efficiency, reduce fuel costs, and maintain compliance with evolving regulatory requirements.

Key Marine Scrubber Company Insights

Some key players operating in the market include ANDRITZ, Wärtsilä, and Valmet.

• ANDRITZ is headquartered in Graz, Austria, specializing in the manufacture and provision of plants, equipment, systems, and services across various industries. The company operates in sectors such as hydropower, pulp and paper, metalworking, solid/liquid separation, and environmental technologies, including flue gas cleaning and recycling. It has over 280 locations in more than 80 countries and offers advanced solutions such as the ANDRITZ SeaSOx, the company’s marine scrubber.
• Wärtsilä is a global company based in Finland, specializing in smart technologies and complete lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. With a large workforce, the company operates in more than 200 locations worldwide. It offers marine industry products such as marine scrubbers, propulsion systems, hybrid technology, and integrated powertrains.
• Valmet operates globally across diverse process industries, serving as a prominent provider of process technologies, automation, and services primarily for the pulp, paper, and energy sectors. The company’s shares are publicly traded on the Nasdaq Helsinki, and its corporate headquarters are located in Espoo, Finland. It designs and manufactures marine scrubbers that are compliant with IMO regulations.

Recent Developments

• In July 2021, ANDRITZ acquired parts of GE Steam Power's Air Quality Control Systems (AQCS) business, enhancing its portfolio in environmental technologies. The acquisition includes industrial dedusting systems, such as electrostatic precipitators and fabric filters, as well as multi-pollutant treatment solutions and industrial scrubbing technologies. This deal also encompasses the technology center in Växjö, Sweden, and the associated workforce in Europe, South America, and Asia. With this expansion, ANDRITZ aims to strengthen its capabilities in providing innovative and optimized air pollution control solutions and new build projects along with continuing to offer comprehensive services for existing equipment from various manufacturers.

• In November 2021, Wärtsilä introduced its new IQ Series scrubber, designed to be lighter and more compact than previous models, representing a significant advancement in exhaust gas treatment technology. This innovative scrubber features a modular design, allowing for easier installation and maintenance, while also optimizing space on vessels. The IQ Series is equipped with advanced monitoring capabilities, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and enhancing operational efficiency. By reducing the overall footprint and weight, the new scrubber aims to improve vessel performance and fuel efficiency, making it a valuable addition to the maritime industry's efforts to reduce emissions.

Marine Scrubber Market Report Scope

Global Marine Scrubber Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis of the industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the marine scrubber market based on technology, application, installation, and region:

• Technology (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Wet Technology

    • Open Loop

    • Closed Loop

    • Hybrid

  • Dry Technology

• Application (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Bulk Carriers

  • Container Ships

  • Oil Tankers

  • Chemical Tankers

  • Cruises

  • Others

• Installation (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • New Build

  • Retrofit

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • Australia

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE