b'LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENTAT THE HELM Propelling the Industry ForwardSTEVE JONES // PRESIDENTM arinepropulsionsystemsareessentialforthetions. They offer high power output and are relatively easy movementandoperationofvesselsonwater.to maintain. However, diesel engines produce significant For small passenger vessels, the choice of pro- emissions, which can be detrimental to the environment.pulsion system is crucial as it impacts efficiency, reliability, environmental footprint, and operational costs.Ok, lets venture down that rabbit hole.AccordingtotheU.S.CoastGuardCommercialVesselThe Clean Air Act (CAA) is a comprehensive federal law Compliance (CVC) Office, there are currently 6,758 pas- in the United States that regulates air emissions. Its pri-senger vessels in the U.S. fleet. The age of this fleet variesmary goal is to ensure that air quality meets health-based greatly as does their means of propulsion. standards to protect public health and the environment. The federal Clean Air Act governed by the Environmental The Belle of Louisville, for example, was launched in 1914,ProtectionAgency(EPA)generallypreemptsindividual making her 111 years old as of 2025. She is powered by steamstatesfromimposingtheirownairemissionsstandards engines.Theseenginesarethatdifferfromthosesetby over a century old and werethefederalgovernmentand originally installed when theDiesel propulsion is stillwould allow an existing vessel vessel was launched in 1914.the most widely usedto continue to use its current The steam engines drive theengines indefinitely. paddlewheel,whichpropelspropulsion system in the thesteamboatthroughthemaritime industry due toI hear you California; Ill get water. The engines have un- to you in a minute.dergoneextensiveoverhaulsits efficiency, reliability, to ensure they remain opera- and the age of the fleet.Starting in the early 2000s the tional and efficient. Diesel engines are knownEPA imposed engine emission standardsthatusedatiered Bycontrast,alotofvesselsfor their ability to operateengine systembeingbuilttodayareusingunder various conditions. electricpropulsionsystemsTiered engines refer to engines duetotheirenvironmentalThey offer high powerthatcomplywithdifferent benefitsandoperationalef- output and are relativelylevelsofemissionsstandards ficiency.Thesesystemsusesetbyregulatorybodies,like electricmotorspoweredbyeasy to maintain.the EPA in the United States. batteries or generators. Elec- Thesetiersaredesignedto tric propulsion offers quiet operation, zero emissions at thereducetheenvironmentalimpactofmarineenginesby point of use, and reduced maintenance requirements. limiting the number of pollutants they emit.Despite that, diesel propulsion is still the most widely usedTier 1 standards were introduced in the early 2000s. These propulsion system in the maritime industry due to its effi- engines have basic emissions controls and are designed to ciency, reliability, and the age of the fleet. Diesel enginesreduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) are known for their ability to operate under various condi- compared to non-regulated engines.Continued on page 44FOGHORN 4'