Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Van Oord has taken another step in reducing emissions across its fleet with the successful installation of advanced selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology on its cable-laying vessel, Nexus. Damen Shipyards Group, the original builder of the vessel, carried out the retrofit, integrating five SCR units—one for each engine—to ensure compliance with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Tier III regulations.
The SCR system is a proven emissions control technology designed to significantly cut nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. By using a catalyst that reacts with injected urea, the system chemically removes NOx from exhaust gases, minimizing the vessel’s environmental footprint. With this retrofit, Nexus is now equipped to operate with far lower emissions, meeting the highest industry standards for sustainability.
Van Oord’s ongoing commitment to reducing emissions and improving sustainability aligns with its broader strategy to assess and upgrade its fleet for better energy efficiency. This initiative is part of the company’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations, and supporting global decarbonization efforts in maritime operations. The investment in SCR technology underscores Van Oord’s proactive approach to tackling greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining operational efficiency.
Damen Shipyards Group played a key role in executing the project, leveraging its expertise as the vessel’s original builder. The company’s compact SCR system provided an effective solution that allowed seamless integration within Nexus’s existing structure. Given the limited space onboard, selecting a system that maximized performance while minimizing the impact on operational areas was a critical factor in the retrofit’s success.
With the Nexus upgrade complete, Van Oord continues to explore further emissions-reducing measures across its fleet. The push for cleaner operations remains a top priority as the company works toward a more sustainable future in offshore energy and maritime construction.
