Open Loop vs Closed Loop Scrubbers
Open Loop vs Closed Loop Scrubbers – What’s Right for Your Vessel?
As shipping regulations continue to evolve, choosing the right emissions technology is more than a technical decision — it’s a strategic one. Scrubbers remain a proven path to compliance with IMO 2020 and beyond. But with multiple system types available, selecting the right solution depends on your vessel, route, and operational needs.
At ME Production, we not only design and deliver advanced scrubber systems — we help shipowners make smart choices grounded in engineering precision and regulatory insight. We are a leading Danish manufacturer of SOx scrubbers, also known as exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS), and we provide turnkey maritime emissions systems for both newbuild and retrofit projects. Our systems are engineered to remove over 98% of sulfur oxides (SOx) from exhaust gases, offering a reliable and measurable path to regulatory compliance.
Understanding the Two Core Technologies
Both open loop and closed loop scrubbers serve the same primary function: removing sulfur oxides (SOx) from exhaust gases. However, they differ significantly in how they treat the wash water used during the scrubbing process.
Open loop scrubbers rely on seawater to neutralize pollutants. The treated water is then discharged back into the ocean, assuming the vessel is operating in an area where such discharge is permitted.
In contrast, closed loop systems use a recirculating liquid, typically freshwater with added alkaline agents, that retains the captured pollutants for later disposal ashore. These systems are designed to operate even in zero-discharge zones or environmentally sensitive areas.
At ME Production, we design and manufacture both open and closed loop marine emissions systems for a wide range of vessel types — including tankers, container ships, offshore vessels, ferries and bulk carriers.
The hybrid model, which combines both modes, offers the most flexibility. But choosing between them should be based on more than just route complexity. It should also factor in your vessel’s technical layout, operational pattern, and long-term compliance strategy.
When Is Open Loop the Right Choice?
Open loop systems are often the most cost-effective option for vessels operating primarily in open seas. These scrubbers are simpler in design, require less space, and avoid the need for chemical handling or waste storage.
For shipowners prioritizing operational simplicity and low CAPEX, this configuration offers a practical balance between investment and compliance. ME Production’s open loop systems are engineered to maximize flow efficiency, with corrosion-resistant components and intelligent automation that reduces crew workload. Each system is equipped with user-friendly HMI interfaces and PLC-based control systems as standard, enabling seamless integration with onboard operations and reducing crew burden.
However, the regulatory landscape is changing. Discharge restrictions are becoming more common, especially near coastlines, ports, and Emission Control Areas (ECAs) are increasing their spread. While open loop scrubbers are currently compliant in many jurisdictions, their long-term viability depends on where—and how—you operate.
That’s why we advise shipowners to assess not only route conditions but also future-proofing. If you're searching for open loop scrubber installation or EGCS retrofit offshore, ME Production can deliver flexible solutions — whether during drydock or in-operation. To streamline retrofitting, each system is delivered as a tailor-made kit that reduces the need for structural modifications and ensures faster, more efficient installation.
Why choose Closed Loop Systems?
For vessels operating in ports, coastal waters, or ECAs, closed loop scrubbers are the safest path to uninterrupted compliance. They allow for full control of discharge and eliminate environmental concerns by retaining all wash water residues onboard.
ME Production’s closed loop systems are compact, high-performance units that come pre-configured for integration with emissions monitoring, wastewater treatment, and data logging solutions. Our systems are designed for modular installation, ensuring minimal impact on vessel layout and enabling easier retrofits that will improver the later on customer service an overall experience on the system performance. Constructed from marine-grade SMO254 and Super Duplex/Duplex stainless steel, these systems offer exceptional resistance to corrosion and are built to withstand the harshest marine environments, making them a long-term investment in operational durability.
This makes them ideal for shipowners operating in Europe, North America or other regulated waters who are looking for closed loop scrubber solutions or sulphur emission control systems for coastal and nearshore operations.
Choosing a closed loop system also reduces the risk of future regulatory non-compliance. As environmental expectations rise, having a solution that already meets zero-discharge conditions gives you a competitive edge.
Hybrid Solutions for Maximum Flexibility
When versatility is a priority, hybrid scrubbers offer the best of both worlds. These systems can switch between open and closed loop modes depending on operational context. ME Production designs hybrid units with smart automation to handle transitions seamlessly and without crew intervention.
Our hybrid solutions are ideal for fleets with diverse routes or operators looking to maximize fuel strategy flexibility across jurisdictions. Every ME Production hybrid scrubber is built for real-time responsiveness, giving you the freedom to operate globally without compromise.
Hybrid systems can also be prepared for emerging technologies such as CO₂ capture or integration with real-time emissions monitoring platforms — a service ME Production already offers.
Tailored Installation and ongoing support
Retrofitting or installing a scrubber system is never plug-and-play. That’s why ME Production offers both dry-dock and onboard retrofit services, supported by a multidisciplinary engineering team with years of experience in live marine environments.
Whether you need a fast-track installation during scheduled docking or a retrofit performed during transit, our project managers ensure minimal downtime and seamless integration with your vessel’s engine, automation, and auxiliary systems. We back every installation with detailed engineering documentation, classification approvals, and project-specific compliance planning — helping you meet regulatory requirements with confidence and precision.
This combination of precise engineering and proactive support helps shipowners stay compliant, efficient, and confident at sea.
If you’re searching for a full-service provider of SOx scrubbers, marine emissions equipment or turnkey EGCS solutions — ME Production has the experience, capacity, and in-house engineering to deliver.
Making the Right Choice
Open loop, closed loop or hybrid — each scrubber type has its place. But the best solution is the one engineered for your unique needs. ME Production doesn’t believe in off-the-shelf systems. We collaborate with shipowners, naval architects, and class societies to deliver solutions that perform across oceans, conditions, and decades.
Our scrubbers are more than just hardware. They are engineered tools for economic performance, regulatory certainty, and environmental responsibility.
Choosing the Right Scrubber System
Interested in exploring which scrubber system is right for your fleet? Contact ME Production today to start a conversation with our marine engineering team.
Looking for maritime emissions solutions beyond scrubbers?
While SOx scrubbers remain a central part of our portfolio, ME Production also delivers engineered systems for maritime heat recovery and energy efficiency — including custom-built marine heat pumps, HVAC integration for vessels, and auxiliary emission-reduction equipment.
CONTACT OUR TEAM FOR ASSISTANCE
If you have any questions or need more details, feel free to contact us at info@meproduction.dk.