EPA issues rules for large US ships to reduce air pollution

THE United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is adopting a two-prong regulatory approach to reduce diesel emissions from large US-flagged ships operating in domestic waters.

Compliance will cost operators US$1.85 billion for fuel and technology changes in 2020, rising to $3.1 billion in 2030, according to the EPA's estimates.

The agency said in a statement, reported in Newark's Journal of Commerce, that it is issuing rules to conform with Annex VI of the International Maritime Organisation's convention on maritime pollution (Marpol).

Approved by the US Congress last year, Annex VI adopts 200-mile emission control areas. Vessels operating within the zone must burn low-sulphur fuel or otherwise control emissions of sulphur- and nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.

It noted that the second part of the EPA's strategy is the adoption of rules under the Clean Air Act governing emissions from US-flagged ships with new diesel engines of 30 litres or more displacement.

The report said that emission reductions will be in two tiers, using existing and new technology to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 80 per cent after 2016.

Source: Schednet