Emissions Standards

Commercial Marine Engine Emission Standards Finalized

EPA Administrator Carol Browner signed a final rule establishing new emission standards for commercial marine diesel engines at or above 37 kW (approximately 50 hp). The final rule makes only minor modifications to EPA's December 1998 notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), EPA's final rule aplies emission standards to new engines only, beginning with the 2004 model year. Vessels and engines built before 2004 will not be subject to emission control requirements. However, if a vessel is subsequently modified such that 50 percent of the modified vessel's value is derived from new material or components, the vessel will be considered new and will be required to meet engine emission standards in effect at the time the modifications are made. EPA believes this will prevent companies from re-using parts from used vessels to avoid emission standards. EPA also retains the right to revisit the issue of applying emission standards to rebuilt or remanufactured engines, if - in the agency's opinion, industry does not take adequate steps to introduce new emission reducing technologies. EPA considers the ruling to be the second tier in a three-tier approach to commercial marine engine emisson standards. EPA considers the nitrogen oxide standards established by Annex VI to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) to be the first tier of emission standards.

EPA Issues Rule on Shipbuilding Air Emissions

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a direct final rule regarding emission standards for hazardous air pollutants relating to shipbuilding and ship repair (surface coating) operations. The rule amends the definition of ship in order to close an unintended gap and to clarify the regulations. The change comes into effect on February 27, 2007, unless adverse comment is received by January 29 or a public hearing is requested by January 8 Source: HK Law

Fiat Powertrain Expands Laborde Distribution

Fiat Powertrain Technologies of North America, Inc., (FPT NA), has expanded Louisiana-based distributor Laborde Products Inc.’s distribution territory to include Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico in addition to their current territory, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas and Tennessee. Laborde Products supplies FPT marine, power generation and industrial engines. FPT industrial engines are fitted with mechanical and electronic injection systems

Fiat Powertrain Expands Laborde Distribution

Fiat Powertrain Technologies of North America, Inc., (FPT NA), has expanded Louisiana-based distributor Laborde Products Inc.’s distribution territory to include Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico in addition to their current territory, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas and Tennessee. Laborde Products supplies FPT marine, power generation and industrial engines. FPT industrial engines are fitted with mechanical and electronic injection systems

Emissions Standards Published, Category 3

The Federal Register has published the final rule setting new emission standards for Category 3 marine diesel engines. The rule also includes an extensive set of technical amendments to our other highway and non-road engine programs. The final rule and supporting documents are available for download at: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/oceanvessels.htm

AGA to Supply LNG for Viking Line Ferry

Viking Line Abp has signed an agreement with AGA Gas AB on supplying liquefied natural gas (LNG) for Viking Line’s new passenger ferry. Viking Line’s newbuilding “NB 1376”, recently named the M/S Viking Grace, will provide service on the Stockholm (Sweden) – Åland Islands (Finland) – Turku (Finland) route beginning in January 2013. The vessel, currently under construction at the STX Europe shipyard in Turku

MARAD Great Lakes Fleet Revitalization Study

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) will conduct three public listening sessions to gather data and comments to inform the US-Flag Great Lakes Fleet Revitalization Study. The Study will examine the current and potential future role of Great Lakes shipping in supporting the region’s economy and as an important component of the greater US Marine Highway System. It will also be used to assess the impact of new environmental regulations on the Great Lakes fleet

MAN B&W Hits New Milestone in Emission Control

MAN B&W Diesel A/S, Holeby, Denmark, has recently tested and supplied a package consisting of two 8L21/31 and two 6L21/31 GenSets. These GenSets will power an advanced Diesel-Electric research vessel for the State Ministry of Education & Science of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. The vessel, Maria S. Merian, is now under construction at the Lürssen-Krögerwerft, Rendsburg, Germany, and is scheduled for delivery towards the end of the year. ‘Blue Angel’ Engine Emission Limits

New Emission Standards Proposed, Marine Engines

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing air emission standards for new marine diesel engines with per cylinder displacement at or above 30 liters (called Category 3 marine diesel engines) installed on US vessels. The proposed standards are equivalent to the nitrogen oxides (NOx) limits recently adopted in the amendments to MARPOL Annex VI. The near-term standards for newly-built engines would apply beginning in 2011

North American Coasts, Emission Control Area

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) officially accepted the proposal to designate waters off the North American coasts as an Emission Control Area (ECA) – a move that will result in cleaner air for millions of Americans. Large ships that operate in ECAs must use dramatically cleaner fuel and technology, leading to major air quality and public health benefits that extend hundreds of miles inland. The ECA was proposed in March 2009 and the IMO adopted it in the fastest