GE claims IMO Tier III and EPA Tier 4i NOx limits without aftertreatment

GE claims that its technology eliminates the need for a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system to remove NOx from the exhaust gas, and consequently avoids the storage and use of catalysts such as urea onboard, preserving cargo and tank space. GE says that its non-SCR solution, which uses two-stage turbocharging and is being applied to the L250 and V250 engines, requires no supplemental equipment or fluids.

The L250 portfolio covers a power range of 1,550kW to 4,650kW. Compared with the IMO Tier II engines, the new specification offers increased power ratings, improved fuel consumption by some 5%, depending on duty cycle and applications, as well as improved torque characteristics and load response rate. The engines rated at less than 2,000 kW will be certified as EPA Tier 2 during 2013, but will meet EPA Tier 3 emission levels ahead of the January 2014 standard path requirement. The 8L250 and 12/16V250 engines rated at more than 2,000 kW will meet EPA standard path Tier 4i (interim) requirements in 2014.

“Successfully passing emissions testing is a major milestone in GE’s development programme to help businesses worldwide comply with EPA and IMO emission standards without the need for SCR after-treatment,” said John Manison, general manager of GE Marine. “This new technology allows the marine industry to meet the upcoming emission compliance requirements and reduce both capital and operating expenditures.”