Transportation & Fuel Source Technology
Engine Manufacturers Ready to Tackle the New Marine Diesel Engine Challenges Proposed by EPA
The Engine Manufacturers Association
(EMA) responded positively to the proposed new emission standards for
marine and locomotive engines in the rulemaking recently announced by the
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If finalized and
implemented as proposed, the new requirements for marine and locomotive
engines will dramatically reduce emissions from diesel engines used in
commercial and recreational marine vessels. EMA is committed to working
with EPA to ensure these stringent, technology forcing standards are
finalized in a manner consistent with the unique and practical aspects of
marine and rail operations.
The new rule is significant because it completes a suite of recent
diesel rules from EPA designed to reduce emissions from all new diesel
engines in the United States by over 90%. Previously issued rules are
yielding very significant emission reductions from on-highway trucks and
buses, nonroad construction and farm equipment, and stationary generators
and pumps and already require the use of cleaner diesel fuel in marine and
locomotive applications.
"Engine manufacturers are committed to develop and modify existing
advanced clean diesel engine technologies to meet the new, stringent marine
engine emission standards that EPA has proposed," said Jed Mandel, EMA
President. "In January 2007, engine manufacturers successfully introduced
new heavy-duty truck engines with emission control systems that reduce PM
and NOx emissions, and we are now engaged in developing similar technology
for nonroad engines. We are committed to refine and transfer that
technology in order to meet the new marine engine standards, and to
continue to do our part to improve the nation's air quality."
"Meeting the substantial emission reductions called for in EPA's marine
proposal is a challenging goal," Mr. Mandel continued. "The marine
environment imposes significant challenges in terms of safety, reliability
needs, vessel space and weight constraints, and engine operating
temperatures. These unique features of the marine environment will require
further advancements in new technologies, including aftertreatment, to make
them suitable for use in the broad range of engines and vessels affected by
EPA's proposed rulemaking. Nonetheless, with the advances in engine design
that will be used to comply with the marine standards, the availability of
Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel, and further refinements in aftertreatment
systems, EMA believes that the stage is set for a rule that can achieve
major reductions in engine emissions."
Part of EPA's National Clean Diesel Campaign, the proposed marine rule
will require 90% reduction in particulate matter (PM) emissions, 80%
reduction in nitrogen oxides, and additional reductions in hydrocarbons,
carbon monoxide and air toxics. The proposed marine reductions occur in two
phases, with implementation of the most stringent standards slated to begin
in 2014.
EMA and its members provided information to EPA regarding marine
engines fuels and technologies, and met with EPA technical staff on several
occasions to discuss the potential emission reductions that might be
achievable for the marine sector. "We are pleased with the responsiveness
of EPA staff and their willingness to engage with stakeholders. Although
there may be need for some technical changes to the draft rule, the overall
approach, proposed emissions levels, and implementation schedule appear to
be workable. EPA's previous efforts to work with a wide-range of interested
stakeholders on the on-highway and nonroad rules, including EMA and its
members, paved the way for the marine diesel rule. Our initial assessment
is that EPA has proposed an aggressive but implementable program to make
clean diesel technology a reality for the marine environment," concluded
Mandel.
EMA will prepare written comments on the proposed rule and is committed to working with EPA to assure a smooth transition to the new emission
standards.
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