The implications of Annex VI of the MARPOL Regulations.

Now is the time for shipyards and engine manufacturers involved in the construction of superyachts to look into the implications of Annex VI of the MARPOL regulations.

The technology and challenges of Selective Catalytic Reduction presents an on going challenge to those involved in the building of superyachts that are due to set sail after 2016.

From that time on Sulphur and Nitrogen emissions from marine engines are to be regulated.

Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) is a method of converting harmful diesel oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions, by catalytic reaction, into benign nitrogen gas and water.  SCR can deliver near-zero emissions of the greenhouse gas NOx, an acid rain and smog-causing pollutant in modern diesel engines.

In a presentation made at the Superyacht UK Technical Seminar held during the London Boat show Udo Kleninitz of ICOMIA and Captain Paul Shallcross of BMT Nigel Gee warned that yachts being designed now are likely to enter service around the time when the new regulations come into force.

They highlighted the need to consider the installation of equipment into the exhaust systems so that superyachts will comply with the rules.

Both have completed extensive research into the requirements and have published documents that support their findings.

These are far reaching and not only cover the equipment that will be required to control and reduce the emissions but also details the materials that must be used in the construction of fuel tanks, pipes and exhaust systems.

Initially Emission Control Areas (ECA) cover the coats of the USA and the North and Baltic Seas.  It is widely thought that before implementation other areas will be announced.