WELCOME TO OUR WEBSITE
From ZERO to IMO Tier III
An overview from past to present
Shipping and the Environment: From ZERO to IMO Tier III
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Tier III NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) emission standards were established to regulate and reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from marine engines. The main motiviation is to reduce air pollution and its impact on the environment and human health. Here is a brief history of shipping, the role of IMO and Marpol and finally IMO Tier III NOx limit values, to be realized with e.g. Marine SCR Systems, along with the main regulations. Nowadays NOx reduction plays an important role.
From the early voyages of ancient civilizations to the transformative era of the Industrial Revolution, ships have played an integral role in connecting the world. The steamship in the 19th century revolutionized shipping, increasing efficiency and allowing for faster and more reliable transportation of goods. The development of the marine diesel engine, which gradually supplanted steam engines took place the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Improved Efficiency, Simplicity, Reliability and Higher Power-to-Weight Ratio, just to name a few advantages of the diesel engines. Early marine diesel engines primarily ran on heavy fuel oil, which was readily available and cost-effective.
Journey of Ships: Tracing Environmental Awareness at Sea
Several factors, including significant events and accidents, contributed to the growing awareness of the environmental impact of shipping in the mid to late 20th century. Air pollution, oil spills, ballast water discharge, and habitat destruction were among the concerns. The establishment of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1948 and its subsequent work on international regulations drew attention to the need for coordinated efforts to address shipping’s environmental impact and increase the safety at sea. IMO’s role in developing global standards for safety regulations and pollution prevention was instrumental in raising awareness.
The International Convention
for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, commonly known as MARPOL, is one of the most significant international agreements regulating pollution from ships. In 1973, the IMO convened a conference in response to several high-profile oil spills, including the 1967 Torrey Canyon incident. The conference resulted in the adoption of the first MARPOL Convention on November 2, 1973. The regulation has undergone several adaptions and revisions since its inception.
Since its adoption,
MARPOL has undergone several amendments and protocols to strengthen and expand its provisions. Key amendments include Annex I (Oil Pollution), Annex II (Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk), Annex IV (Sewage), and Annex V (Garbage). These amendments have introduced stricter regulations and improved environmental protection.
Annex VI of MARPOL
which addresses air pollution from ships, was adopted in 1997 and came into force in May 2005. This regulation sets limits on emissions of sulfur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from ship exhausts. Annex VI also established the NOx Technical Code to provide specific guidelines and requirements for controlling NOx emissions from marine diesel engines. With the implementation of the IMO Tier III limits, SCR systems have been included as a crucial part of the engine certification process, specifically targeting NOx emissions.
It established regulations and standards to prevent pollution from oil, chemicals, sewage, garbage, exhaust gas and more.
The NOx Technical Code NTC 2008
The NOx Technical Code was developed as part of MARPOL Annex VI to address the reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions from ship engines. It provides technical specifications for engines and systems that help shipowners and operators comply with the NOx emission limits set by MARPOL Annex VI.
Entry into Force
The NOx Technical Code came into force on January 1, 2000. Regulation 13 applies to all diesel engines with a power output exceeding 130 kW installed on ships constructed on or after this date. The regulation also covers engines with a power output above 130 kW that undergo major conversions on or after January 1, 2000.
However, this regulation excludes emergency diesel engines, engines installed in lifeboats, and any devices or equipment intended solely for use in emergencies.
Amendments
Like other parts of MARPOL, the NOx Technical Code has undergone revisions to align with technological advancements and more stringent emissions reduction targets. Shipowners and engine manufacturers must ensure that their engines comply with the latest code requirements.
The main purpose of the NOx Technical Code, within the framework of MARPOL Annex VI, is to reduce the environmental impact of NOx emissions from ships by setting standards and promoting the use of emission-reduction technologies. These regulations are crucial for improving air quality and reducing the contribution of shipping to air pollution and its associated health and environmental risks.
Clear guidelines on how to certify or upgrade a marine diesel engine, including the Marine SCR system to IMO Tier III can be found in MEPC291(71) and it’s amendments. This will be detailed described in another post, so you get an overview what role the SCR system play.
