Marine Scrubber Systems Market

Marine Scrubber Systems Market Outlook (2025 to 2035)

The marine scrubber systems market is valued at USD 8.53 billion in 2025. As per Fact.MR analysis, it will grow at a CAGR of 10.4% and reach USD 22.94 billion by 2035.

In 2024, the marine scrubber systems industry had a revolutionary year dictated by an intersection of regulatory enforcement, retrofit acceleration, and supply chain reconfiguration. Fact.MR analysis revealed that the rollout of IMO 2020 sulfur cap enforcement practices witnessed renewed severity from port regulators, particularly in Europe as well as East Asia, which led to heightened retrofit activity among bulk carriers as well as aged tanker fleets. This increase in demand was particularly evident in Singapore and Rotterdam, where installation lead times decreased through OEM-shipyard collaborations.

South Korean and Chinese component suppliers also increased localized manufacturing to counteract increasing costs associated with global raw material inflation. Concurrently, hybrid scrubber systems were in high demand as ship owners looked for fuel flexibility due to fluctuating MGO and IFO prices. Fact.MR estimates that more than one-third of total installations by the end of 2024 came with hybrid configurations, with cruise ships and transoceanic vessels driving adoption.

Looking forward to 2025 and beyond, the industry is set for double-digit growth over the long term with emission standards broadening to encompass particulate matter and nitrogen oxide. Digital monitoring module integration and predictive maintenance capabilities will characterize next-generation scrubbers, especially for ships compliant with ESG requirements and green finance criteria.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value
Estimated Global Size in 2025	USD 8.53 Billion
Projected Global Size in 2035	USD 22.94 Billion
CAGR (2025 to 2035)	10.4%

Fact.MR Survey Results for Industry Dynamics Based on Stakeholder Perspectives

Fact.MR's Q4 2024 stakeholder survey of 500 manufacturers, shipowners, port authorities, and retrofit experts in the U.S., Western Europe, Japan, and South Korea presents changing priorities in the emissions control technology sector. Across the world, 84% of respondents identified compliance with IMO 2020 as well as projected IMO 2030 emissions standards as their most important priority. Durability came in as the second important priority, with 72% citing corrosion-resistant materials because of constant exposure to high-salinity environments.

69% of U.S. stakeholders ranked automation for remote fleet management as a top priority, whereas 81% of Western European respondents identified sustainability metrics such as zero-discharge and recyclable scrubber parts as key investment drivers. In Japan and South Korea, 58% preferred space-saving as well as modular scrubber systems to support compact engine rooms on smaller ships.

On the technology side, digital scrubber systems with real-time monitoring became popular in 2024, especially in Western Europe and South Korea, where tightened emissions audits are mandatorily imposed. But price sensitivity continues to be an issue, with 77% of Asian stakeholders opting for cheaper units and raising concerns about expensive upgrades. Also, logistical inefficiencies and technical support gaps were found to be significant challenges, especially in Asia. Fact.MR analysis indicates regional product localization, digital integration, and cost-efficient hybrid models will be critical to securing long-term growth.

Impact of Government Regulation

Country	Policy & Regulatory Impact on Marine Scrubber Systems
United States	The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforce strict compliance under the Vessel General Permit (VGP), especially for discharge standards. Scrubber systems must meet MARPOL Annex VI standards and secure approval via the EPA’s Clean Water Act protocols. California’s Air Resources Board (CARB) further prohibits open-loop scrubber discharges in coastal waters.
United Kingdom	Compliance with UK MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) and adherence to the UK Emission Control Area (ECA) regulations post-Brexit are critical. Vessels operating scrubber systems must be certified under the UK’s version of the International Air Pollution Prevention (IAPP) certificate.
Germany	Strong alignment with EU directives such as the Sulphur Directive (2016/802) and MARPOL Annex VI. Scrubbers must be approved under EU MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification) and IAPP certification. Germany also offers incentives for hybrid scrubber retrofits under national programs aligned with the EU’s Clean Shipping framework.
Japan	Oversight by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). Though not banning scrubber discharge, Japan requires IMO-compliant systems and rigorous onboard emission tracking. IAPP certification and adherence to ClassNK standards are mandatory.
South Korea	The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries mandates compliance with scrubber usage regulations within the Korean Emission Control Area (effective from 2020). Open-loop discharges are restricted near Busan and Incheon ports. Ships must be IAPP-certified and align with Korean Register (KR) technical standards.
China	China’s Domestic Emission Control Areas (DECAs) mandate a maximum sulfur content of 0.5% and restrict scrubber washwater discharge in inland waterways and major ports. The Ministry of Transport enforces compliance through Port State Control. Approval through the China Classification Society (CCS) and IAPP certification is required.

Market Analysis

The industry is on a strong upward trajectory, driven by tightening global emissions regulations and rising retrofitting demand from commercial and offshore fleets. The shift toward hybrid and closed-loop technologies positions system manufacturers and compliant shipowners to gain significantly. Conversely, operators relying on high-sulfur fuels without emission controls face mounting regulatory and financial risks.

Top Strategic Imperatives, Risk Assessment, and Watchlist for Stakeholders

To stay ahead in the industry, stakeholders must accelerate investment in hybrid and closed-loop technologies that ensure long-term regulatory compliance and operational fuel flexibility. Fact.MR analysis found that hybrid scrubbers are increasingly favored due to their adaptability across varying fuel qualities and stricter port-state control. Additionally, aligning system development with ESG-centric procurement criteria will attract sustainability-focused charterers and financiers, helping shipowners secure longer-term contracts and green loans.

Expanding strategic partnerships with OEMs and regional shipyards, especially in maritime hubs like Busan, Singapore, and Rotterdam, will enhance retrofit capabilities, reduce installation downtime, and accelerate revenue opportunities.

Key risks include regulatory tightening on scrubber wash water discharge, which holds a high probability and high impact, particularly in coastal jurisdictions. Volatile raw material prices, notably for nickel and rare earth elements, pose a medium likelihood but high impact threat to manufacturing margins. Lastly, delayed adoption of digital monitoring tools in legacy fleets presents a high probability and medium impact risk, potentially resulting in service inefficiencies and reduced competitiveness.

In response, stakeholders must initiate feasibility studies for nickel-based hybrid scrubber inserts, create feedback channels with OEMs to optimize hybrid feature development, and deploy aftermarket incentive programs through regional distribution partners to improve service adoption and customer lifecycle value.

For the Boardroom

To capitalize on the next wave of growth, stakeholders should shift focus from compliance-driven retrofits toward proactively investing in hybrid scrubber innovations tailored for ESG-aligned fleets. This intelligence signals a critical shift-regulatory adherence alone is no longer enough; competitive advantage now lies in integrating emission control systems with digital diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and lifecycle optimization.

By investing in high-efficiency hybrid systems and forging local retrofit partnerships in emission-critical regions, the client can secure early-mover contracts with fleet operators transitioning to low-carbon operations. The roadmap must now prioritize R&D acceleration, digital ecosystem integration, and channel strategy refinement to unlock long-term value and defend against both regulatory disruption and substitution by alternative emission control solutions.

Segment-wise Analysis

By Technology

According to Fact.MR, the hybrid system segment is expected to be most profitable in this category, growing at a CAGR of 12.1% during the forecast period. Hybrid scrubbers are gaining traction due to their ability to switch between open and closed-loop operations, offering maximum flexibility in varied maritime routes and port environments.

With rising environmental regulations and regional discharge restrictions, vessel operators are leaning toward systems that ensure operational compliance without fuel-switching. Hybrid units also reduce total lifecycle costs by adapting to water quality and emission zones. These advantages, along with evolving IMO regulations and growing fleet upgrades, make hybrid systems the fastest-growing and most lucrative technology in marine scrubber adoption globally.

By Application

The retrofit segment is expected to be most profitable in this category, growing at a CAGR of 10.7% during the forecast period. This dominance stems from the urgent compliance need triggered by IMO 2020 regulations, especially for vessels still operating on high-sulfur fuels. Retrofitting enables fleet owners to maintain operational flexibility without switching to more expensive low-sulfur alternatives.

As enforcement tightens across emission control areas and global ports, retrofitting existing vessels with scrubber systems is proving to be a cost-effective path to regulatory alignment. The extensive global fleet of aging ships further boosts the potential for retrofitting, especially across commercial and tanker segments, prioritizing fuel economy and longevity.

By Vessel Type

Fact.MR suggests that the cruise liner segment is expected to be the most profitable vessel type, growing at a CAGR of 11.5% during the forecast period. Cruise vessels are under increasing scrutiny from environmental authorities due to their high fuel consumption and dense itineraries around coastal areas. Operators are aggressively investing in scrubber technologies to meet sustainability targets and avoid reputational damage.

With high emission output per vessel and longer voyage durations, cruise ships benefit significantly from scrubber installations. Public-facing environmental accountability, combined with port-specific regulations, is pushing this segment toward rapid adoption. Additionally, high passenger expectations and premium pricing allow operators to justify upfront retrofit and installation costs more readily.

By Fuel Type

The intermediate fuel oil (IFO) segment is expected to be most profitable in this category, growing at a CAGR of 11.2% during the forecast period. IFO remains the preferred choice for ship operators looking to reduce operational costs without switching to compliant fuels. Scrubber systems enable the continued use of this cost-effective, high-sulfur fuel while complying with global emission standards.

As per Fact.MR, the segment’s strength lies in its alignment with retrofit strategies across aging fleets, especially tankers and cargo ships that benefit from IFO’s energy density and cost-efficiency. As scrubber adoption expands globally, IFO usage will remain high among vessels prioritizing long-range operations, making it a critical component in decarbonization transition strategies.

Country-wise Insights

U.S.

In the U.S., the industry is likely to grow at a CAGR of 9.8% during the forecast period. Growth in the U.S. is driven by rigorous enforcement of the EPA’s Vessel General Permit (VGP) and California’s emission rules that restrict open-loop discharge in coastal zones. This has prompted widespread retrofitting across domestic container vessels, tankers, and cruise liners operating within Emission Control Areas (ECAs), especially along the Pacific Coast.

The U.S. shipowners are increasingly opting for hybrid and closed-loop systems to maintain regulatory compliance while reducing long-term operating costs. The presence of a strong domestic retrofit ecosystem, combined with support from green financing mechanisms, has incentivized rapid adoption. Additionally, major ports like Los Angeles, New York, and Houston have emerged as strategic hubs for scrubber installation and servicing.

The U.S. Navy’s sustainability roadmap and ongoing upgrades in the inland waterway infrastructure are expected to catalyze further demand. However, high installation costs and supply chain constraints persist, underscoring the importance of partnerships with local OEMs and shipyards. Companies focusing on digitally enabled systems with predictive maintenance capabilities are likely to gain a competitive edge in a highly compliance-sensitive environment.

UK

UK’s sales are expected to register a CAGR of 9.5% in the assessment term. As a post-Brexit maritime hub, the UK remains committed to enforcing MARPOL Annex VI and the Emission Control Area (ECA) standards around the English Channel. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has increased inspection activity, particularly in ports like Southampton, Felixstowe, and Liverpool, accelerating the adoption of certified scrubber systems.

Fact.MR analysis suggests that cruise liners, Ro-Ro carriers, and container vessel operators are leading retrofit efforts, primarily driven by charter contract requirements and ESG-linked financing conditions. Hybrid systems are becoming the preferred choice due to increasing restrictions on open-loop scrubber discharge within UK coastal waters. As green finance and carbon accounting grow more prevalent, scrubber technologies that support emissions tracking are being prioritized.

France

The industry is predicted to grow at a rate of 10.2% CAGR in France in the assessment period. France plays a strategic role in Europe’s marine emissions reduction efforts, particularly due to its extensive coastline and port infrastructure along the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Ports like Marseille and Le Havre are leading centers for scrubber retrofits, targeting older vessels operating in the EU’s Emission Control Areas (ECAs).

French shipowners and operators are increasingly adopting closed-loop and hybrid scrubbers in alignment with the European Green Deal’s decarbonization targets. The French government, through national environmental programs and EU funding, offers subsidies and tax credits for emissions-reducing technologies, making scrubber installation financially viable for small-to-medium fleet operators.

Chantiers de l’Atlantique and other domestic shipyards are incorporating scrubbers into new builds, particularly for cruise vessels. As environmental enforcement intensifies across the Mediterranean, demand is expected to expand from the commercial segment into fishing and support vessels. Digital compliance tracking and integration with port-state monitoring systems will be essential features for future growth.

Germany

In Germany, the landscape of ship-based emission control technologies is anticipated to achieve a CAGR of 11.1% from 2025 to 2035. Germany leads Europe in terms of technological integration and policy enforcement regarding maritime emissions. Ports such as Hamburg and Bremerhaven serve as primary enforcement hubs, driving early adoption of zero-discharge compliant exhaust treatment solutions.

Germany’s shipbuilding industry, led by firms like Meyer Werft, is also playing a pivotal role in embedding these systems into new ship designs. While retrofit demand remains strong, especially for older container fleets, OEMs focusing on data-driven emissions tracking and energy recovery systems are expected to gain strong traction.

In addition, the country’s Clean Shipping program, along with financial incentives and innovation grants, is encouraging shipowners to transition toward digitally monitored hybrid configurations. IAPP certification is mandatory, and German shipping companies are increasingly integrating emissions systems with AI-powered fuel optimization tools. This aligns with the country’s broader Industry 4.0 strategy and green maritime transport initiatives.

Italy

In Italy, the industry is projected to grow at a 10.0% CAGR during the forecast period. Italy’s prominent position in the Mediterranean and strong cruise and ferry operations have made it a strategic location for deploying exhaust emission reduction systems. Ports like Genoa, Trieste, and Naples are seeing increased enforcement of discharge restrictions and MARPOL Annex VI compliance.

Fact.MR analysis suggests that hybrid technologies are becoming popular among Italian cruise operators, aiming to reduce emissions while preserving operational flexibility. The Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has supported these efforts by aligning national policy with EU maritime modernization goals. Funding support through EU green initiatives has also reduced financial barriers for smaller shipowners.

Local shipyards are gradually integrating these systems into vessel designs, although reliance on foreign OEMs for components persists. As pressure mounts to meet 2030 carbon targets, Italy is expected to intensify port inspections and impose discharge restrictions that further favor advanced configurations equipped with emissions reporting and control modules.

South Korea

In South Korea, the sector is estimated to expand by a 10.7% CAGR between 2025 and 2035. Regulatory enforcement through the Korean Emission Control Area (KECA) has made compliance mandatory for ships operating near major ports such as Busan and Incheon. Open-loop discharge is banned in these zones, accelerating the shift to hybrid and closed-loop exhaust management technologies.

With South Korea being a global leader in shipbuilding and maritime technology, demand for high-efficiency and digitally monitored emission solutions is rising. Integration with onboard fuel optimization systems is emerging as a standard requirement. The nation’s focus on smart ports and decarbonization under its "Green New Deal" will likely boost domestic adoption further.

The country’s top shipbuilders-Hyundai, Samsung, and Daewoo-are embedding advanced systems in export-oriented vessels. Government-backed programs also provide financial support to retrofit older domestic fleets, ensuring competitiveness in global shipping corridors. The Korean Register (KR) offers robust technical validation and IAPP certification, streamlining compliance processes.

Japan

Sales in Japan are projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.3% during the period 2025 to 2035. While the country complies with MARPOL Annex VI, regulatory enforcement is less aggressive than in China or Europe. Open-loop configurations are still permitted in many coastal zones, leading to slower adoption of advanced exhaust treatment systems.

Fact.MR analysis shows that many Japanese shipowners prefer using low-sulfur fuels over retrofitting older vessels due to cost concerns and reduced vessel sizes in domestic operations. However, ESG mandates from international clients and global lenders are gradually pushing the shift toward hybrid solutions, especially for long-haul and export ships.

Japanese OEMs such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries remain competitive in the global emissions control supply chain, even as domestic demand remains limited. The next wave of adoption in Japan is expected to be driven by stricter port regulations and a growing push toward digital integration in emission tracking, especially in international fleets.

China

China’s emissions control industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.5% from 2025 to 2035. China has taken a proactive stance with its Domestic Emission Control Areas (DECAs), which now cover all major coastal regions. Ports like Shanghai, Ningbo, and Shenzhen have banned open-loop discharges, mandating compliance through hybrid or closed-loop systems.

Policy incentives, including tax rebates and loan guarantees, further enhance affordability for domestic operators. As China continues pushing its "Blue Sky" environmental initiative, the installation of emissions control systems is expanding rapidly in both commercial and passenger shipping segments. Advanced monitoring and automation are expected to become mandatory by the end of the decade.

Moreover, China’s Ministry of Transport rigorously enforces IAPP certification, and domestic classification bodies like CCS provide compliance support. Local OEMs have ramped up production capacity, making China a cost-effective hub for manufacturing and export. Demand is driven both by retrofits and new builds, particularly for tankers and bulk carriers.

Australia-New Zealand

In New Zealand and Australia, the sector is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 9.9% within the assessment period. Although less stringent compared to other regions, Australia and New Zealand have begun enforcing MARPOL Annex VI regulations and restricting open-loop scrubber discharges near environmentally sensitive ports like Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland.

Fact.MR analysis indicates growing retrofit activity, especially among LNG carriers and cargo vessels serving the mining and resource sectors. Hybrid scrubbers are increasingly favored due to the limited enforcement infrastructure for ongoing discharge monitoring. Government entities such as Maritime NZ and Australia's Department of Infrastructure are gradually strengthening emission protocols.

The region’s low domestic manufacturing capacity poses supply chain challenges, but this is being offset by growing collaboration with international OEMs. As carbon emission trading frameworks evolve and green shipping corridors develop across the Pacific, Australia and New Zealand are expected to see steady demand for digitally equipped scrubber systems.

Competitive Landscape

The marine scrubber systems industry remains moderately consolidated, with a few key players commanding significant shares while numerous smaller firms compete in niche segments. Leading companies are focusing on innovation, strategic partnerships, and global expansion to maintain competitive advantages. ​

In 2024, Wärtsilä secured a contract to supply its latest carbon capture and storage-ready (CCS-Ready) scrubber systems for three container ships owned by German operator Leonhardt & Blumberg, marking one of the first retrofit projects prepared for CCS in the marine industry. Additionally, Wärtsilä announced plans to upgrade the exhaust treatment systems onboard four vessels in Norwegian operator Color Line’s fleet, adding closed-loop functionality to the ships’ current open-loop scrubbers.

LiqTech International entered into a partnership agreement with Danbee Marine Co. Ltd., a South Korean-based maritime representative, to promote LiqTech's marine scrubber water treatment solutions within South Korea. This collaboration aims to expand LiqTech's presence in the Korean shipbuilding sector.

Chinese container line COSCO increased its usage of scrubber systems in 2024, adding 417,827 TEU capacity in scrubber-fitted tonnage and moving from eighth to fifth place in the ranking of operators of scrubber tonnage by capacity. This expansion reflects the growing adoption of scrubber technology among major shipping companies. ​

Competition Analysis

In 2025, Alfa Laval AB, holding a 25-30% share, is expected to maintain its leadership position in marine scrubber technology, driven by the robust performance of its PureSOx systems and dominant presence in retrofit programs across commercial fleets. The company’s strategic integration of AI-based scrubber monitoring and its long-standing partnerships with global shipping firms will reinforce its foothold through 2035, especially amid rising ECA enforcement and sulfur cap regulations.

Wärtsilä Oyj Abp (20-25%) will continue to expand in hybrid scrubber technologies, positioning itself as a key player in carbon capture-ready and ammonia-compatible solutions. Its growth will be fueled by innovation in modular systems, though cost competition from Asian OEMs could challenge pricing dynamics in budget-conscious regions.

Yara Marine Technologies AS (15%) will scale its closed-loop systems further by leveraging digital optimization platforms acquired post to 2024. Its push into biofuel-compatible scrubber configurations aligns with green shipping trends, bolstering relevance in EU-regulated corridors and eco-sensitive operations.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (10%) will remain strong in Asia, particularly within LNG carrier fleets. Growth will be tied to the dual advantage of LNG propulsion combined with onboard scrubbers and new R&D in hydrogen-ready maritime exhaust solutions.

Ecospray Technologies (5-8%) will grow as an innovator in bio-scrubber and carbon-neutral fuel filtration technologies. If the adoption of carbon capture and e-fuel-compatible systems accelerates, Ecospray could double its share, especially across green ship retrofits and future-ready vessel classes.

Other Key Players

• VDL AEC Maritime
• Feen Marine Scrubbers Inc.
• CR Ocean Engineering, LLC
• E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
• Hyundai Heavy Industries
• Kwangsung Co., Ltd
• Shanghai Bluesoul Environmental Technology Co., Ltd.
• Pacific Green Marine Technologies Inc.
• PANASIA Co., Ltd.
• Valmet Corporation
• Fuji Electric
• ANDRITZ AG
• Ionada Incorporated
• Johnson Matthey
• SCL International

Marine Scrubber Systems Market Segmentation

• By Technology :

  • Wet
  • Dry

• By Application :

  • New-build
  • Retrofit

• By Vessel Type :

  • Commercial Vessels
  • Offshore Vessels
  • Navy Vessels

• By Fuel Type :

  • Marine Diesel Oil - MDO
  • Marine Gas Oil - MGO
  • Intermediate Fuel Oil - IFO
  • Residual Fuel Oil - RFO

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • MEA