IMO III gensets enter service

Rolls-Royce delivered the two MTU 16V 4000 M63L main propulsion engines, each delivering 2,000 kW, one Series 4000 M23F 16-cylinder diesel genset with 1,520 kW and the MTU-developed SCR system. The exhaust aftertreatment system featuring SCR technology is combined with the diesel genset.

Rolls-Royce said the gensets were “some of the first in the world” already certified as complying with IMO Tier III NOx emission levels, which come into force in 2016.

Built by Spanish shipyard Astilleros Armon, the new 30m tug has a bollard pull of some 90 tonnes and was handed over in the Port of Rotterdam in May 2015. It features a combined diesel-mechanical and diesel-electrical propulsion arrangement.

Significantly reduced NOx emissions were recorded in the course of trials and on the voyage between Spain and Holland: 81% below the values currently required by IMO Tier II emission regulations.

“We’re rather proud of being able to demonstrate the capabilities of this pre-series, space-saving solution to our client in the course of these trials”, said Nadine Buhmann, head of marine & offshore business at MTU.

As of 2016, new vessels operating in North American and Caribbean ECAs must observe IMO Tier III NOx limits. Emissions have to be reduced from a maximum of eight to two grams per kW/h.