Scrubber Wash Water Analysis

Accurate. Compliant. Laboratory-Tested.

Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS), or scrubbers, help vessels meet sulphur emissions limits—but wash water discharge from these systems must also meet specific environmental standards. At Saron Marine, we offer scrubber wash water analysis services that fully align with the latest guidelines from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including strict adherence to ISO 17025, sample holding times, and chain of custody.

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IMO Guidelines – MEPC.340(77)

Under IMO Resolution MEPC.340(77) GUIDELINES FOR EXHAUST GAS CLEANING SYSTEMS, updated in 2021, the requirements for wash water discharge from EGCS systems were clarified:

• The only mandatory laboratory testing under IMO rules is a nitrate analysis, which must be performed at every IAPP renewal survey.
• All other parameters (such as PAHs, pH, Oil Index and metals) may be a part of a voluntary annual monitoring program.
• Voluntary testing is encouraged to demonstrate good environmental stewardship and system performance.

At Saron Marine, we offer:

• IMO-compliant nitrate testing in line with MEPC.340(77)
• Optional full-scope analysis (pH, PAH, Oil, metals, NN) for shipowners seeking additional oversight
• Testing by ISO 17025-accredited laboratories with the methods required in the Scope
• Sample preservation and holding times fully in accordance with IMO guidance
• Easy-to-understand reports ready for inclusion in EGCS technical files or PSC inspection documentation

✅ Voluntary annual testing available
✅ Mandatory nitrate testing covered during renewal survey periods

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VGP 2013 – U.S. EPA Requirements

For vessels operating within 3nm of US shore, the Vessel General Permit (VGP 2013) introduces a different set of compliance requirements—but only for scrubbers allowed to discharge in the VGP regulated waters

Important notes:

• Scrubber discharge is not permitted within 3 nautical miles of the U.S. coast unless the system can guarantee a discharge pH of ≥6.0 at the overboard point.
• Only those systems that meet this requirement are subject to wash water monitoring under VGP.

VGP Monitoring Requirements:

• Initial Year: Two discharge samples must be collected and tested.
• Subsequent Years: One discharge sample per calendar year.

Required parameters under VGP:

• pH
• PAHs
• Nitrates+Nitrites
• Total & Dissolved Metals

Saron Marine provides:

• VGP-compliant sampling kits with full instructions
• Coordination with crew for timely collection and shipment
• Testing by EPA-accepted, ISO-accredited laboratories
• Results formatted for EPA reporting and audit-readiness

✅ Only applicable to systems permitted to discharge scrubber water in U.S. waters
✅ Full support for annual and initial sampling obligations

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Why Choose Saron Marine?

• 🌍 Global Coordination – Sample kits and logistics tailored to vessel schedules
• 🧪 Certified Labs – ISO 17025-accredited with proven experience in maritime compliance
• 📊 Simplified Reports – Ready for submission, tailored to IMO and EPA formats
• ⚓ Compliance You Can Trust – Backed by technical expertise and regulatory knowledge

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Scrubber Compliance Made Simple

Ensure your vessel remains in full compliance with the latest IMO and VGP environmental discharge regulations. Whether you’re performing a required nitrate test or implementing a full annual program, Saron Marine delivers trusted results—on time, every time.

📧 Contact us at info@saronmarine.com to request a quote or schedule your next sampling.