Americas News
MARAD Announces Over $1 Million in Funding for Two Emission-Reducing Maritime Solutions
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD) has announced that it has pledged over $1.2 million in support for the development of two emission-reducing maritime solutions, including a liquid natural gas (LNG) conversion demonstration project, and a "modification of an on-board air pollution control device."
MARAD states that the on-board air pollution control is intended to help the U.S. maritime industry with its continuing effort to reduce its environmental footprint.
"The Department continues to fund innovative projects that support a steady shift towards cleaner and sustainable transportation options," said Anthony Foxx, U.S. Transportation Secretary.
"This public-private venture will produce the data required to further develop even cleaner and more sustainable maritime transportation options."
MARAD says that $730,000 in funding has been provided to Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities (PRCC) for a towboat with a diesel-propelled engine to be converted to LNG propulsion.
"Results from this demonstration project will help expand the development and availability of natural gas conversion technology for smaller scale tug, tow, and harbor vessels," explained MARAD.
"PRCC will collect air emissions data before and after the conversion, which will allow for operational and emissions comparisons."
A seperate $500,000 cooperative agreement is said to be providing the Interlake Steamship Company (Interlake)
"This modification will significantly reduce sulfur emissions and meet or exceed North American Emissions Control Area requirements for the 800-foot, bulk-cargo vessel," stated MARAD.
"Interlake will provide MARAD with pre- and post-installation air emissions data, and lessons learned on scrubber installation and operation."
Commenting on the announcement, Paul Jaenichen, Maritime Administrator, said "these investments accelerate the growth of alternative fuel and environmental technologies throughout the United States' maritime industry."
"These projects will yield data that will support future commercial investment decisions and will provide lasting benefits for our nation while helping us reduce the industry's environmental footprint.
"This is how government can work to encourage technology advancement and environmental stewardship."
In August, it was announced that Interlake was intending to install scrubber systems on two of its vessels, the M/V Lee A. Tregurtha, and M/V James R. Barker, early next year, having postponed earlier LNG conversion plans on the back of Shell's decision to terminate its Great Lakes LNG project that was the intended source of LNG bunkers.
On Wednesday, Ship & Bunker reported that MARAD has signed a $900,000 cooperative agreement with Totem Ocean Trailer Express Inc. (TOTE) to investigate the benefits of retrofitting existing vessels with liquid natural gas (LNG) propulsion systems.
