LR urges NOx testing

LR is warning shipowners to ensure all engines fitted into newbuildings comply with IMO`s NOx emission standards. While it does not expect the relevant regulations to come into force until 2002, once ratified it will apply to all diesel engines on ships over 400g with keels laid after January 1, 2000.

It points out that getting pre-certification of compliance is easier and less expensive than trying to carry out testing procedures on a ship in service, where test bed conditions will be difficult to replicate. The Engine International Air Pollution Prevention (EIAPP) certificate issued to compliant engines will be exchanged for a Certificate of Compliance prior to ratification of Marpol Annex VI.

The regulations also apply to engines in existing tonnage that undergo a major modification, or where power is increase by more than ten per cent.