Dec 10 2019
Waterborne transport by ocean or inland waterways is a key component of the global commerce system, and diesel engines are the prime mover for many marine applications, as well as the standard for on-board auxiliary power. At the 2019 Workboat International Show, the leaders in advanced diesel engines technology have a full-scale technology line-up available and are able to help boat owners navigate the upcoming International Maritime Organization (IMO) fuel sulfur requirements, as well as an array of regulated country emissions standards and non-regulated country requirements.
“Thanks to continuous improvement and technology innovation, the opportunities for boat owners to improve efficiency and reduce emissions has never been greater. Regardless of whether it is for offshore marine applications or global ocean-going, inland waterway, tug and salvage, or pleasure craft sectors, there are new and more efficient main engine propulsion and hoteling clean diesel power options available,” said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the not-for-profit group the Diesel Technology Forum (DTF).
In the U.S., two key aspects of the clean diesel system have been widely available and in use for several years, both ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD) and new Tier 4 marine engines that utilize the most advanced emissions control systems – selective catalytic reduction and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). New IMO rules will require the use of ULSD in 2020 that will help reduce particulate emissions from all ocean-going vessels both new and existing.
As port authorities and shippers in the U.S. and around the world look for further strategies to reduce operating emissions, the newest generation of diesel engines can play a critical role. DTF’s recent work with the Environmental Defense Fund demonstrated that there is tremendous cost-effectiveness in replacing and repowering existing vessels with new technology diesel engines. For example, replacing a single older Tier 0 marine workboat with a new Tier 4 generation engine can eliminate as much as 30 tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in a year; an amount equivalent to the emissions of 26,000 passenger vehicles. For some markets and settings, the use of Tier 3 level technology is more suitable and can also be eligible for federal funding/DERA grant assistance.
Leaders in advanced technology diesel engines for marine applications include:
- Caterpillar supplies marine engines in the power range of 93 to 16,800 kW in propulsion and 10 to 16,111 kWe in marine generator set, along with a portfolio of customized controllable propulsion solutions.
- Cummins offers a complete line of propulsion, generator and auxiliary power solutions, from 4 to 3,132 kW, designed specifically for marine applications.
- FPT Industrial has product offerings that include six engine ranges from 42 hp up to 1,006 hp.
- John Deere Power Systems offers a complete line of PowerTech engines for newly constructed vessels as well as repowered boats. Propulsion, auxiliary, and generator drive engines are available in 4.5L, 6.8L, 9.0L, and 13.5L displacements from 60 to 559 kW (80 to 750 hp).
- Volvo Penta is a leading global manufacturer of engines and power systems for marine propulsion and marine power generation applications.
- Other leaders in advanced marine engine technology participating in the show include MTU Rolls-Royce and Yanmar.