Page 26: of Marine News Magazine (July 2021)

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Feature

Emissions © Alan Smillie / Adobe Stock

Moving

Forward with

Emissions - Is it Tiers, Tears or Fears?

By Robert Kunkel s International Maritime Organization (IMO) with alternative sources of energy and fuels. Two paths that and U.S. Environmental Protection Agen- simply require a hybrid connection similar to the proce- cy (EPA) emissions requirements continue dures the automotive industry has followed. The combina-

A throughout the IMO Emission Control Areas tion of those two paths will ease the decision process for (ECA), they are also forcing postponement of many new owners and manufacturers. It is our opinion that the oil construction decisions as vessel owners and operators con- faucet will not be shut off as quickly as the IMO hopes. It is tinue to tread cautiously along the path forward. The Mar- a simple statement based upon economics. And with those pol Annex VI program looked to correct emissions require- economics, watch as zero emissions achievements become ments while working with petroleum fuels. Technology a ? nancial model using carbon credits rather than technical developers continue best efforts to advance long-term solu- solutions to meet IMO 2050 goals.

tions to reach the latest IMO zero emissions greenhouse gas The IMO emissions standards are commonly referred (GHG) goals of 2050. Those GHG decisions and regula- to as Tier I through III standards. The Tier I standards tions are working to move away from oil and press forward were de? ned in the 1997 version of Annex VI and they 26 | MN July 2021