IMO Tier III Rules Prevent "Mushrooming National Regulations"

Timmermann said clear international rules let customers move forward confidently

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO)'s decision to move forward with Tier III rules means ship owners have a clear path forward to improve their environmental profiles, Stephan Timmermann, an executive board member at MAN Diesel & Turbo (MAN Diesel), said in a statement from the company.

"I am pleased that the adoption of the IMO regulations will save us from mushrooming national regulations," said Timmermann, who is responsible for Marine System and After Sales for MAN Diesel.

"Now we have a clear set of rules."

MAN Diesel officials said they have technologies ready to support customers in complying with Tier iII regulations.

"Exhaust Gas Recirculation and Selective Catalytic Reduction are technologies we not only have available but have operational experience with," said Chief Technology Officer Hans-O. Jeske.

MAN Diesel has already provided a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system to Danish vessel Petunia Seaways, and its first commercial exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system was ordered for a Maersk Line newbuildng in 2012.

The company also offers dual-fuel liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered engines that allow for compliance with Tier III requirements.

"For MAN Diesel & Turbo, it is important to offer a variety of solutions so that customers can best balance their needs in terms of cost efficiency, environmental efficiency and operational profile," Jeske said.

"For decades to come, we will see a rivalry of fuels.

"Versatility will be key.

"This is why we offer highly efficient, dual-fuel, two- and four-stroke engines, emission-control equipment and highly developed propeller designs."

While the Tier III rules will affect newbuildings from 2016 on, MAN Diesel noted that many of the relevant technologies may be worth adopting sooner for companies seeking to reduce operational costs and emissions.

The IMO adopted a compromise solution that has nitrogen oxide (NOx) limits taking effect at different times depending on the establishment of local emission control areas (ECAs).