Engine Manufacturers Association News

When it comes to the EPA’s recent proposed delay to implementation of Tier 4 marine diesel engines ‘in certain high-speed commercial vessels,’ where you stand probably depends on where you sit.On September 6, the U.S. Environmental Protection agency (EPA) proposed to delay implementation of Tier 4 marine diesel engines “in certain high-speed commercial vessels.” Specifically; EPA mentions three kinds of vessels: lobster boats, pilot boats and a third, more open-ended reference to “other high-speed vessels,” possibly including hovercraft.

The management ballast water discharges began with the enactment of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (NANPCA) as an effort to prevent the introduction of additional invasive species into the Great Lakes. Since then, NANPCA was amended by the National Invasive Species Act of 1996 and the issue has progressed over the intervening years to a much larger campaign to regulate all vessel discharges into U.S. waters. Ballast water management has been the subject of litigation, regulation, and legislation at the state and federal level.

Cummins Inc., on behalf of the Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) affirmed the industry’s support of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Final Marine Engine Rule. Geoff Conrad, Cummins General Manager  Marine, made the announcement at a press conference hosted by the EPA. The Final Marine Engine Rule is intended to reduce emissions from diesel-fuelled engines installed in marine vessels and locomotives. The legislation completes a series of national emissions standards that apply to diesel engines used for a range of major applications. Due to the unique installation requirements of both marine and locomotive applications…