Co2 Operational News

WR Systems, long renowned for its prowess in delivering innovative engineered solutions to the U.S. Navy, is making waves in commercial maritime circles. WR Systems is a rare bird by many accounts. While the Norfolk, VA-based engineering firm earns the lion’s share of its business from the U.S. Navy, it was never fashioned specifically as a “defense contractor.” While it houses an enviable stable of technical talent, with access to some the world’s leading experts in marine electronic systems…

W R Systems, Ltd (WRSystems) has been asked to supply its EmsysTM laser‐based Emissions Monitoring System (EMS) for the purpose of emission verification for an ongoing fuel trials on‐board the AP Moller‐Maersk vessel Maersk Kalmar. WRSystems was asked to provide the EmsysTM system installation as part of a wider project between Maersk Line Limited (Maersk) and the US Navy to test biofuels for their long‐term suitability for maritime applications. EmsysTM was requested by Maersk following successful trial installations on two US‐based Maersk container vessels.

W R Systems, Ltd (WRSystems) was asked to supply its Emsys laser-based Emissions Monitoring System (EMS) for the purpose of emission verification for an ongoing fuel trials on-board the AP Moller-Maersk vessel Maersk Kalmar. WRSystems was asked to provide the Emsys system installation as part of a wider project between Maersk Line Limited (Maersk) and the US Navy to test biofuels for their long-term suitability for maritime applications. EmsysTM was requested by Maersk following successful trial installations on two US-based Maersk container vessels. Previous trials were used to prove system efficacy and aid the comprehensive marine Type Approval process under the supervision of the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).

Hefty fines, detention and possible arrest are looming for ship owners/operators who fail to meet new ship emissions requirements. In accordance with MARPOL (Marine Pollution) Annex VI regulations, new Emissions Control Area (ECA) regulations for sea areas within 200 nautical miles from the coasts and ports of the U.S. and Canada go into effect on August 1, 2011. Even with an exemption clause that extends the regulations enforcement date to Aug. 1, 2012, the time window is short for outfitting thousands of vessels.

W R Systems Ltd., Norfolk Va. Announced the completion of its Emsys Product Design Assessment (PDA) program with the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) by being awarded formal Type Approval on September 1st 2010. The company said Emsys is the world’s first Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) based emissions monitoring system to receive Type Approval for on-board verification of marine diesel engines and Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) in line with the Revised MARPOL Annex VI and the NOx Technical Code (2008). The approvals cover both NOx and SOx emissions and additionally, Particulate Matter (PM). The system was formally launched at the SMM 2010 Exhibition in Hamburg to complete the commercial development phase of the project which commenced in early 2009.

The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is expected to adopt proposed amendments to the MARPOL Annex VI regulations to reduce harmful emissions from ships, when it meets for its 58th session from October 6-10 at IMO Headquarters in . The Committee will also continue its work on developing a mandatory regime to control greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping. The Committee has a packed agenda, which also includes the consideration of the draft ship recycling convention and issues relating to the implementation of the 2004 Ballast Water Management Convention. The draft revised Annex VI to the MARPOL Convention was agreed at the last MEPC session in April.