Hamworthy Krystallon has become the first non North American-based company to be awarded accreditation as a manufacturer of an ‘emerging technology’ that has the capability to reduce marine Particulate Matter emissions by the United States’ Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The addition of Hamworthy Krystallon to the United States’ National Clean Diesel Campaign’s Emerging Technologies list follows an announcement by the EPA in late December 2009 that United States’ registered vessels must achieve emission reduction targets by using cleaner fuels or alternative means such as exhaust gas cleaning, also known as scrubbing. The decision also relates to international vessels, which under EPA proposals to the International Maritime Organisation, would have to operate under strict emissions regulations within 200 miles of the US and Canadian coastlines by 2015. Foreign-flagged ships make up approximately 90% of all ship traffic in US waters.

Sigurd S. Jenssen, Managing Director, Hamworthy Krystallon Ltd, said:

“The EPA emerging technology program provides an excellent opportunity for Hamworthy Krystallon to obtain vital operational feedback from partners. It enables us to show partners in North America that seawater scrubbing is the most cost-effective and definitive means of reducing Particulate Matter emissions - going beyond reduction levels achievable from using lower sulphur fuels to meet new emissions standards.

“Being the first non North American-based company to be awarded accreditation, clearly illustrates that Hamworthy Krystallon’s seawater scrubbing technology is recognised as a viable alternative to costly, lower emissions fuels for ship owners and operators seeking compliance with pending Particulate Matter and sulphur emissions regulations in North America.”

The primary goal of the Emerging Technology programme is to support the early deployment of new technologies that will reduce emissions from the existing fleet. Under its plans for 200 mile Emission Control Areas (ECAs), the EPA has stated that Particulate Matter emissions must be reduced by 85%.

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