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The Ship Exhaust Gas Scrubber Market is growing steadily in 2025 as stricter IMO 2020 and upcoming IMO 2030 regulations push shipowners to adopt cost-effective solutions for sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions compliance. According to the International Maritime Pollution Control Association, more than 5,800 commercial ships worldwide are fitted with exhaust gas scrubbers as of 2025 — up from fewer than 200 ships just a decade ago. With the global fleet modernizing and retrofit demand staying strong, scrubbers remain a vital technology for compliance and sustainability.
Ship Exhaust Gas Scrubber market was valued at USD 3,362.8 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 4,204.18 million by 2025, surging to USD 25,090.93 million by 2033. This remarkable growth reflects a strong CAGR of 25.02%
What is a Ship Exhaust Gas Scrubber?
A ship exhaust gas scrubber is an onboard emissions control system designed to remove harmful pollutants, mainly sulfur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter, from a vessel’s engine and boiler exhaust gases before they are released into the atmosphere. Scrubbers help shipowners comply with international maritime regulations like the IMO 2020 sulfur cap, which limits the sulfur content in fuel to 0.5% globally and 0.1% in Emission Control Areas (ECAs).
These systems work by spraying alkaline water into the exhaust stream, which reacts with sulfur oxides to form harmless compounds that can be safely discharged or treated. There are three main types: open-loop, which uses seawater; closed-loop, which recirculates freshwater with an alkaline additive; and hybrid, which can switch between modes based on environmental restrictions.
According to the International Maritime Emission Control Report, more than 5,800 ships now operate with scrubbers, covering bulk carriers, oil tankers, container ships, and cruise vessels. Data shows that around 65% of scrubbers in use today are open-loop systems due to their lower upfront costs, while hybrid systems are growing in popularity as ports and coastal authorities tighten wash water discharge rules.
Global Distribution of Ship Exhaust Gas Scrubber Manufacturers by Country in 2025
The global landscape for ship exhaust gas scrubber manufacturing in 2025 remains heavily concentrated in Europe and Asia-Pacific, reflecting the regions’ maritime engineering capabilities, large shipbuilding bases, and strong environmental regulations driving demand for SOx emissions compliance.
According to the International Maritime Pollution Control Association, Europe accounts for around 58% of total global scrubber production capacity. Countries such as Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Austria, and the Netherlands host several well-established suppliers like Saacke GmbH, Yara, Alfa Laval, Valmet, VDL AEC Maritime, PureteQ A/S, Langh Tech Oy Ab, and Ecospray Technologies S.r.l. These companies have developed strong retrofit and newbuild project portfolios, often partnering closely with European shipowners who need to comply with strict sulfur emission rules in Emission Control Areas (ECAs) like the North Sea and Baltic Sea. Over 70% of European-flagged vessels fitted with scrubbers in 2025 sourced systems from regional manufacturers.
Asia-Pacific holds approximately 35% of the world’s scrubber production. Japan, China, and South Korea remain at the forefront, with manufacturers such as Fuji Electric, Puyier, and Pacific Green Marine expanding rapidly to meet demand from local shipyards. Industry figures show that about 42% of newbuild ships equipped with scrubbers in 2025 are being delivered from Asian yards, ensuring close ties between regional OEMs and the shipbuilding supply chain. Japanese manufacturers continue to focus on advanced closed-loop systems for high-traffic regional shipping routes, while Chinese players are capturing orders for cost-effective open-loop systems for bulk carriers and tankers.
North America contributes about 7% of global production capacity, primarily focused on retrofit projects for older fleets operating in the U.S. and Canadian ECAs. Companies like CR Ocean Engineering, LLC in New Jersey specialize in modular scrubber systems designed for retrofits on tankers, bulkers, and cruise ships calling at major East and Gulf Coast ports. According to U.S. Maritime Environmental Data, more than 400 ships operating partly or fully in North American waters are fitted with scrubbers built or assembled by domestic providers or U.S.-based licensees of European designs.
Overall, this global distribution reflects how local regulatory regimes, regional fleet characteristics, and shipbuilding footprints shape the ship exhaust gas scrubber supply chain. As ports worldwide tighten wash water discharge limits and enforce stricter air quality standards, demand for hybrid and closed-loop systems is expected to grow, driving further innovation from leading manufacturers in Europe and Asia.
Regional Market Share: Ship Exhaust Gas Scrubber Regional Opportunities
The regional market share for ship exhaust gas scrubbers in 2025 reflects both fleet size and the stringency of sulfur emission regulations worldwide. Europe continues to hold the largest share, accounting for approximately 60% of the global market. This dominance is driven by the extensive network of Emission Control Areas (ECAs) in the North Sea and Baltic Sea, which enforce stricter sulfur limits of 0.1%. As a result, European shipowners increasingly invest in hybrid and closed-loop scrubbers to ensure compliance both offshore and during port calls. Reports from the European Maritime Safety Agency indicate that nearly 75% of large cargo vessels operating in these ECAs are now scrubber-equipped.
The Asia-Pacific region holds about 32% of the market, supported by strong newbuild activity and a growing retrofit segment. China, Japan, and South Korea remain the main buyers, with local shipyards delivering a high volume of new vessels fitted with scrubbers from domestic and European suppliers. Industry data shows that roughly 42% of all new ocean-going bulk carriers and oil tankers built in Asia in 2025 will be equipped with scrubbers, making the region a key driver for market growth.
North America represents around 8% of the global market share. The U.S. and Canada maintain strict ECAs along both the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines as well as the Gulf of Mexico. This pushes fleet operators to invest in retrofits, especially for older tankers, bulkers, and cruise ships. According to the U.S. Maritime Emissions Board, nearly 12% of the global scrubber fleet operates partly or fully within U.S. waters.
While Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa collectively contribute a smaller share, they represent emerging opportunities as port authorities in Brazil, the Middle East, and parts of Africa begin to enforce MARPOL Annex VI limits more aggressively, creating new retrofit and service prospects for global suppliers.
USA Growing Ship Exhaust Gas Scrubber Market
The United States remains a critical market for ship exhaust gas scrubber installations and retrofits in 2025, driven by strict emissions regulations along its coastlines and major shipping lanes. According to the U.S. Maritime Environmental Compliance Board, the country accounts for about 12% of the total global scrubber fleet, with over 700 vessels operating in or near North American Emission Control Areas (ECAs) now fitted with scrubbers.
The North American ECA, which includes the entire U.S. and Canadian coastal regions up to 200 nautical miles offshore, enforces a strict 0.1% sulfur cap, significantly lower than the global limit of 0.5%. This has pushed shipowners especially tanker and bulk carrier operators to invest in scrubber retrofits to continue using cost-effective high-sulfur fuel oil while meeting local compliance standards. Recent data shows that about 65% of large tankers calling at Gulf Coast ports are now equipped with open-loop or hybrid scrubber systems.
Domestic companies such as CR Ocean Engineering, LLC have expanded their project portfolios, working closely with shipyards and fleet operators to deliver modular scrubber solutions tailored for older vessels. East Coast and Gulf Coast ports have emerged as key hubs for scrubber retrofits and ongoing maintenance services, supporting local jobs and ship repair yards.
Beyond retrofits, U.S.-flagged newbuilds, including offshore supply vessels and Jones Act-compliant tankers, increasingly include scrubber systems in their specifications to future-proof compliance. Ports like Houston, New Orleans, and New York are also tightening their enforcement of wash water discharge standards, encouraging operators to opt for hybrid or closed-loop designs that can adapt to different port and coastal requirements.
With fuel price spreads fluctuating and carbon emissions rules becoming more stringent, the U.S. ship exhaust gas scrubber market will continue to grow steadily as operators seek practical, cost-effective ways to balance sustainability, fuel flexibility, and regulatory compliance.
How Big is the Ship Exhaust Gas Scrubber Industry in 2025?
The Ship Exhaust Gas Scrubber Industry has grown into a vital part of the global maritime emissions control market in 2025, driven by stricter international regulations and the ongoing cost benefits of burning high-sulfur fuel oil. According to the International Maritime Emissions Council, more than 5,800 ocean-going vessels worldwide are now operating with exhaust gas cleaning systems, covering nearly 20% of the global merchant fleet above 5,000 gross tonnage.
Bulk carriers and oil tankers continue to be the largest adopters, together accounting for about 58% of all installed scrubbers. These vessel types benefit most from the fuel cost savings compared to using compliant low-sulfur fuel oil, especially on long-haul routes where high fuel consumption magnifies operational savings. The container shipping segment makes up roughly 22% of the market, with major carriers retrofitting large vessels to stay competitive on Asia-Europe and trans-Pacific trades. Cruise ships also represent a significant share, about 10%, since they frequently operate in Emission Control Areas (ECAs) and must comply with the strictest sulfur limits near populated ports.
Newbuild orders continue to support industry growth, with an estimated 35% of new ocean-going ships above 20,000 deadweight tons delivered in 2025 equipped with scrubber systems from the outset. Meanwhile, retrofit activity remains healthy, with more than 420 vessels expected to complete scrubber installations this year to extend fleet compliance lifespans.
Regionally, Europe and Asia-Pacific dominate market share, driven by local shipowners and yards, but North America is gaining traction, especially for retrofits on older tankers and bulkers trading along ECA routes. With upcoming carbon intensity measures and evolving wash water discharge restrictions, demand for hybrid and closed-loop systems is expected to rise further, ensuring the scrubber industry remains a core compliance tool in maritime decarbonization strategies.
Global Growth Insights unveils the top List Global Ship Exhaust Gas Scrubber Companies:
| Company | Headquarters | Estimated Revenue (Past Year) | Estimated CAGR | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saacke GmbH | Bremen, Germany | $200–250 million | 6% | Leading supplier for hybrid scrubbers; strong in retrofits for tankers and bulkers. |
| Fuji Electric | Tokyo, Japan | $150–200 million | 7% | Major player for Asian shipyards; focus on closed-loop systems. |
| Yara | Oslo, Norway | $300–350 million | 6% | Known for innovative marine SOx solutions; strong service network in Europe. |
| VDL AEC Maritime | Eindhoven, Netherlands | $90–120 million | 5% | Specializes in compact scrubbers for short-sea shipping and ferries. |
| ANDRITZ | Graz, Austria | $180–220 million | 6% | Integrated solutions for large retrofits and newbuilds; global project presence. |
| CR Ocean Engineering, LLC | Parsippany, New Jersey, USA | $50–70 million | 5% | Key U.S. retrofit specialist; strong Gulf Coast and East Coast projects. |
| PureteQ A/S | Svendborg, Denmark | $40–60 million | 5% | Focuses on modular open-loop systems; expanding in retrofit markets. |
| Alfa Laval | Lund, Sweden | $350–400 million | 7% | Global leader in marine environmental solutions; large installed base. |
| Valmet | Espoo, Finland | $200–250 million | 6% | Strong in cruise ship segment; hybrid systems gaining traction. |
| Clean Marine AS | Oslo, Norway | $30–50 million | 4% | Focused on small to medium vessel retrofits; ECA compliance solutions. |
| Langh Tech Oy Ab | Turku, Finland | $40–60 million | 5% | Known for compact scrubber retrofits; Nordic and Baltic fleet presence. |
| Ecospray Technologies S.r.l. | Alessandria, Italy | $50–80 million | 5% | Specializes in exhaust cleaning for passenger ships and ferries. |
| Puyier | Shanghai, China | $70–90 million | 6% | Emerging Chinese manufacturer; expanding newbuild contracts. |
| Pacific Green Marine | Shanghai, China | $80–100 million | 6% | Focuses on low-cost open-loop systems for bulk carriers. |
FAQs — Global Ship Exhaust Gas Scrubber Companies
Q1: Why are ship exhaust gas scrubbers important in 2025?
A1: Over 5,800 ships worldwide now rely on scrubbers to meet IMO 2020 and regional ECA sulfur limits cost-effectively.
Q2: Which regions dominate the scrubber market?
A2: Europe leads with 60%, followed by Asia-Pacific at 32%, North America at 8%.
Q3: What types of scrubbers are most common?
A3: About 65% are open-loop systems, with hybrid systems rising to 47% of new orders due to stricter port rules.
Q4: Who are the key players?
A4: Major companies include Saacke GmbH, Yara, Alfa Laval, Valmet, Fuji Electric, ANDRITZ, and CR Ocean Engineering, LLC.
Conclusion
As global maritime emissions regulations evolve, ship exhaust gas scrubbers will remain critical to helping shipowners meet compliance targets while optimizing fuel costs. Established European and Asian manufacturers continue to innovate, and retrofits remain strong, ensuring steady growth through 2025 and beyond.