California Okays Ship Emissions Capturing System
Aiswarya Lakshmi
Thursday, July 02, 2015
Technology, developed at the port of Los Angeles, captures 90% of 'at-berth' emissions.
CAEM announced it has received CARB approval for the first
commercially ready ship emissions capturing system called the Maritime
Emissions Treatment System (METS).
The METS-1 is CAEM’s first-generation system. It is mounted and
deployed from a barge that is positioned alongside ships berthed at the
Port of Los Angeles. The system is positioned over vessels’ smoke stacks
and captures and treats more than 90 percent of particulate (PM), NOx,
SO2, and related diesel pollutants emitted.
The proprietary treatment technology was developed in collaboration
with Tri-Mer Corporation of Owosso, Mich., the world’s largest supplier
of catalytic ceramic filter systems.
METS is the first CARB-approved alternative to “plugging in” to
shore-side power -- also called cold-ironing or Alternative Maritime
Power -- which is the current standard for meeting California’s
“Airborne Toxic Control Measure for Auxiliary Diesel Engines Operated on
Ocean-Going Vessels At-Berth in a California Port” (At-Berth)
regulation.
Since January 1, 2014, vessel operators not complying with the
regulation run the risk of not meeting these emissions standards and
being hit with significant fines.
“The METS-1 will have an immediate, direct and positive impact on
the communities surrounding the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach,”
said Nick Tonsich, CAEM principal and San Pedro native. “In the long
term, given the fact that there are so many ships in the world’s fleet
without cold-ironing capability, the METS system could have a profound
impact on the entire shipping industry and our global environment.”
“In recent years, we have supported development of this technology
through our Technology Advancement Program,” said Port of Los Angeles
Executive Director Gene Seroka. “With CARB verification approval, this
is now a solution that other ports can consider to lower vessel
emissions in their harbors and surrounding communities.”
The Port of Los Angeles has been a leader in development of
technologies to control at-berth emissions. More than a decade ago, the
Port of Los Angeles pioneered development of Alternative Maritime Power
(AMP) for cargo ships.
Today, 24 berths at the Port of Los Angeles are equipped for shore
power, the most of any port in the world. AMPing at berth eliminates
upwards of a ton of NOx emissions per vessel per 24-hour period. Similar
results have been demonstrated by the new METS alternative.