EPA proposing more stringent emission standards for ship engines

EPA proposing more stringent emission standards for ship engines The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing more stringent emissions standards on large propulsion engines used on oceangoing vessels.
   The EPA rules would establish new limits on emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and particulate matter (PM) from Category 3 marine compression-ignition (diesel) engines with cylinder displacements of 30 liters or more.
   Those sorts of engines are primarily used for propulsion in oceangoing vessels and range in size from 3,000 to 100,000 horsepower. EPA is considering application of these requirements on both U.S.-flag and foreign-flag vessels. Comments are due by March 6.
   EPA said without new controls oceangoing vessels will account for 34 percent of the mobile-source NOx, 45 percent of the mobile-source fine particulate matter, and 94 percent of the mobile-source SOx by 2030.
   The law firm of Blank and Rome recommends companies involved in the construction, repair or operation of U.S.-flag and foreign-flag vessels operating in U.S. waters review and consider commenting on the proposed rule.
   Blank and Rome said the standards, applicable to both new and existing Category 3 engines, would apply to those that:
   ' Manufacture, sell, or import new Category 3 engines for use on U.S.-flag vessels.
   ' Build vessels that will be U.S. flag and that use such engines.
   ' Own or operate such U.S.-flag vessels.
   ' Rebuild or maintain these engines.
   EPA is also considering the development of standards in this rulemaking applicable to gas-turbine engines.
   While current EPA marine diesel engine emission standards do not apply to foreign-flag vessels, the EPA states in the rulemaking that it will continue to coordinate its national standards for Category 3 emission limits with its activities at the International Maritime Organization and consider the applicability of the proposed Category 3 standards to foreign-flag vessels that enter U.S. ports. EPA is targeting completion of this rulemaking for Dec. 17, 2009.
   The proposal builds on “Tier 1” NOx standards the EPA first adopted in 2003.
   In its summary of the 31-page proposal, Blank and Rome said the new Nox limits would have a two-step phase-in.
   “Tier 2” standards would come into effect in 2011 and would call for a further 15 percent to 25 percent reduction in NOx emissions. The law firm said this would be accomplished with “in-cylinder controls such as turbocharger optimization and compression-ratio changes, or water-based technologies such as water injection or intake-air humidification.”
   “Tier 3” NOx standards would be effective in 2016 and result in a further 80 percent reduction would be achieved through “selective catalytic reduction or other after treatment technology.” Blank and Rome noted “EPA is considering applying Tier 3 only in designated ports and coastal areas, allowing the emission controls to be turned off outside of those designated areas.”
   SOx and PM emissions from Category 3 engines are primarily the result of the sulfur bunker fuel.
   Blank and Rome said, “Emission limits would be achieved through switching to low sulfur residual fuel or distillate fuel, or employing exhaust gas cleaning technology such as seawater scrubbing, or both. These standards would be effective in 2011.”
   The entire advance notice of proposed rulemaking can be seen at: a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-23556.pdf