Crowley makes environmentally friendly modifications on tugs

Crowley makes environmentally friendly modifications on tugs Crowley Maritime Corp. said it has made engineering modifications on container barge tugs used for its Puerto Rico and Caribbean trade services aimed at significantly reducing engine emissions and air pollution.
   The modifications have been made to 10 tugboats used in Crowley's liner services and four tugs chartered to Trailer Bridge. Crowley said exhaust emissions create air pollution in the form of visible smoke, particulate matter, and nitrogen oxides. Jacksonville-based Crowley is working to reduce all three forms, and in the process improve engine performance and decrease fuel consumption.
   “We are always looking for more efficient and cleaner ways to run our engines,” said Rob Grune, senior vice president and general manager, Puerto Rico-Caribbean services. “We have an extremely talented engineering department that has a genuine interest in maintaining our high performance standards, while optimizing equipment for environmental preservation.'
   Crowley has been working with General Electric, Rolls Royce, Marine Systems and Interstate Diesel to reduce exhaust, cut engine lubricating oil consumption and save fuel. In addition to using low-sulfur diesel fuel, Crowley has installed ECOTIP fuel injectors in all of the tugs in its Puerto Rico service, which has helped reduce fuel consumption and the amount of particulate matter by 44 percent. Additionally, the clarity, or opacity of stack emissions has improved by 75 percent, the company said.
   Other specific changes include the use of new fiberglass air filters with a pleated paper design that reduce smokestack emissions, plus the use of special four-pass aftercoolers instead of traditional two-pass coolers. Those ensure that the air temperature is lowered, increasing air density as it enters the engine. The cooler, denser air flowing into the engine allows for more complete combustion and increased fuel efficiency while maximizing the engine’s power.
   “The proof of environmental stewardship is walking the talk, and this is clearly demonstrated by an enforced environmental policy, use of 'green' chemicals and materials in the workplace, annual environmental goals and targets, fuel efficient vessel operations and new vessel designs that reduce environmental impacts and provide redundant systems to prevent pollution,” said Charlie Nalen, Crowley’s vice president, environmental safety and quality assurance.