Americas News
EPA Approval for Wärtsilä LNG, Diesel Dual-Fuel Engines
Wärtsilä Corporation (Wärtsilä) says its 34DF diesel and liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel engines have obtained certification of emission standard compliance from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The certification, which it said was obtained on January 17, 2013, will enable Wärtsilä to "strongly enter the American market."
"The Wärtsilä 34DF is the first dual-fuel engine fulfilling the EPA requirements and this is a very important statutory recognition of Wärtsilä dual-fuel technology," said Andrea Bochicchio, Director, Product Management & Engineering, Product Centre 4-stroke, Wärtsilä PowerTech.
Wärtsilä said it already has takers for its first engines which will be used in the offshore supply vessel Harvey Energy, followed by four sister vessels, and it anticipates that U.S. market demand for the dual-fuel engines will further increase.
"Economic and environmental factors are having a tremendous impact on the shipping industry, and at Wärtsilä we firmly believe that flexible fuel options are a positive step in alleviating these challenges," said Giulio Tirelli, Director, Wärtsilä Ship Power, 4-stroke Portfolio & Applications.
"Our dual-fuel engine technology enables environmental legislation to be met where necessary, while maintaining the ability to use conventional diesel fuel in unrestricted areas."
Last year Wärtsilä said the 34DF was used in China's first LNG capable tugs.
