Tier 3 Marine Diesel Engines

 

As a follow up to yesterdays marine vessel post, the EPA has regulated all marine diesel and spark ignition engines (Tier 1 and 2). The 1999 Marine Engine Rule states that diesel marine engines must follow the non-road land based tier system. However, Tier 3 marine diesel engines (oil tankers, container ships, bulk carriers and cruise ships) continue to be unregulated by the EPA. Leaving the Tier 3 engines unregulated triggered lawsuits against the EPA. As a result, a court settlement required the EPA to require new Tier 3 marine diesel engines to adhere to Tier 1 standards. In addition, the EPA has made a commitment that by April 2007 rules will be developed which will impose Tier 2 standards on Tier 3 engines.

 

We should be hearing something soon from the EPA in regards reducing emissions from the biggest marine diesel engines. I will keep everyone updated.