GE Marine Engine Meets New Emissions Rules

Posted

GE logoGE Marine says it has successfully completed an emissions-testing program for the first 12V250 marine diesel engine that meets EPA Tier 4i and International Maritime Organization (IMO) Tier III in-engine emission compliance.

The rules decrease the allowable levels of sulfur oxide (SOx) and nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions from ships.

The company says its engine technology eliminates the need for a selective catalytic reduction system (SCR) and storing or using urea aboard a vessel, thereby preserving cargo and tank space.

Last December GE announced its timeline for meeting EPA Tier 3 and Tier 4i, as well as IMO Tier III emission compliance without the need for exhaust gas after-treatment for its L250 and V250 medium speed marine diesel engines (1,550 – 4,650 kW).

The new technology will help the marine industry meet upcoming emissions standards and reduce capital and operating expenditures, says John Manison, general manager of GE Marine.

Additionally, the GE 12V250 MDC engine has increased power over the IMO Tier II model, the company says. The engine’s new two-stage turbo charging also offers a faster response time.

SCR requires using a diesel exhaust fluid, typically urea, to reduce NOx in an after-treatment of exhaust gas. GE’s non-SCR solution is based on the technological advancements of the L250 and V250 engines and requires no supplemental equipment or fluids.

GE’s L250 engines rated at less than 2,000 kW will be certified as EPA Tier 2 during 2013, but will meet EPA Tier 3 emission levels ahead of the January 2014 standard path requirement. Depending on duty cycle and application, the L250 engines have greater than 5 percent improved fuel consumption compared to Tier 2 standards, as well as improved torque characteristics and load response rate, GE says. In addition, the 8L250 and 12/16V250 engines rated at more than 2,000 kW will meet EPA standard path Tier 4i requirements in 2014.

Last month, GE’s Power Conversion business launched two technologies for ships that the company says can cut emissions and save up to $550,000 in fuel annually.

The company’s Variable Frequency Active Front-End power and propulsion system (VF-AFE) controls engine speed and can result in fuel savings of up to $300,000 per year, GE says.

And its Inovelis system draws in water and then forcibly ejects it out through a nozzle — the marine equivalent of a jet engine, but one that can be pointed in any direction. The company says under certain conditions, the engine can deliver up to $250,000 in fuel savings a year.

Environment + Energy Leader