Few industries have experienced such a jarring shift in compliance and regulation as marine-diesel-fueled equipment and businesses. What was once a fairly lax regulatory environment has become a dramatically different industry over the past two decades due to the changes brought forth by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), and other governing bodies and agencies.
As an operations professional purchasing marine diesel engines for your outfit, here are some of the key regulations to be aware of:
- Reducing sulfur in marine diesel emissions
In 2004, the EPA put forth landmark standards that called for a reduction of sulfur in marine diesel by 99 percent. By dramatically reducing these corrosive emissions, damage to both vegetation and even man was greatly reduced. - Marine diesel and EPA compliance
The EPA began introducing tiered standards for marine diesel in 2008 that necessitated dramatic equipment changes. The piecemeal approach comprised four tiers, the last of which was mandated to go into effect this year. Tier 4 regulations call for reductions in articulate matter, hydrocarbons, and NOx for all new marine diesel engines. - Marine diesel regulation and the rise of LNG
As diesel standards became more and more stringent, a choice arose: keep transitioning to compliant marine diesel-powered engines or explore alternatives. One of these alternatives is liquefied nitrogen gas (LNG), which not only burns cleaner and possesses the potential for long-term cost savings, but doesn’t require the same extensive, mandated equipment upgrades.
As you review regulations from the EPA and other organization whose jurisdiction you may be operating under, be sure to find those regulations specific to your vessel’s category. Category 1 and 2 ships, which range from 500 to 8,000 kW (700 to 11,000 hp) have to meet different marine diesel standards than Category 1 craft. Do your homework beforehand and know where you stand with compliance, especially when looking at potentially purchasing new marine diesel engines.
