MARPOL Annex VI – certification of an ‘Approved Method’ for MAN B&W S60MC engines.
Applicabilty: All owners and operators of new and existing ships
Classification News 22/2010 detailed changes to nitrogen oxides (NOX) controls introduced by the Revised MARPOL Annex VI. These apply to marine diesel engines, with a power output of more than 5,000 kW and a displacement at or above 90 litres per cylinder, installed on ships constructed on or after January 1, 1990 but before January 1, 2000. The revised NOX controls require an Approved Method (if one is commercially available) to be fitted to engines no later than the first renewal survey which occurs 12 months or more after the date that IMO is notified of the Method’s certification. The purpose of an Approved Method is to restrict NOX emissions to no more than the limit values given for Tier I engines.
Certification of an Approved Method for MAN B&W S60MC engines
On October 5, 2011, the Administration of Denmark notified the IMO of the certification of an Approved Method for certain MAN B&W S60MC engines. The certified Approved Method comprises changes to the engine fuel injectors. The Approved Method is certified for engines with a Maximum Continuous Rating (MCR) of between 1,650 – 2,040 kW/cylinder and a speed between 94-105 rpm. Installation of this Approved Method will be mandatory no later than the first renewal survey (five-year survey) for MARPOL Annex VI which occurs on or after October 6, 2012, subject to its commercial availability. More information is available in IMO Circular MEPC.1/Circ.770 which is applicable to all vessels regardless of flag.
Guidance Notes
To assist shipowners and other interested parties, Lloyd’s Register has published Guidance Notes on the Approved Method requirements.
What should owners and operators do now?
Owners and operators of ships which are within the construction date range, and which have MAN B&W S60MC engines, should check with the manufacturer for applicability of the Approved Method to their vessel (see also MAN B&W’s online self-check facility). If it is applicable, the Approved Method should be installed before the next MARPOL Annex VI renewal survey.