First Non-Urea NOx Tier-III Compliant Vessel Sets Sail

The very first vessel to be compliant with International Maritime Organization (IMO) Tier III emission standards through using an after treatment technology that doesn’t use urea has commenced service.

As part of a complete refurbishment, the Norwegian ferry Bastø Fosen I was equipped with GE’s Marine Solutions 16V250MDC, a 16 cylinder 250 mm bore marine diesel engine certified to meet both IMO Tier III and EPA Tier 4 emission standards utilising exhaust gas re-circulation.

Bastø Fosen has also ordered six more IMO III compliant eight-cylinder in-line engines for three new ferries launching later in 2016.

The Bastø Fosen I ferry is one of three routed across the Oslo fjord operating a 30-minute route between Horten and Moss.

Fact File- Advantages of not Using Urea for Tier III Compliance:

GE State that choosing the GE medium speed engine with EGR technology over urea based systems has the following advantages :

• Saves engine room space by eliminating the need for a separate SCR system and urea storage tanks, preserving valuable cargo, accommodation, and fuel, water and oil tank space;
• Minimises operating expenses; urea based systems can add 5–8 % of fuel expenses;
• Maximises engine efficiency and load response with a ramp up from idle to full load of about 15 seconds.