b'LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Next Generation VesselsAT THE HELM Facing a Future of Meeting Strict Emission Rules JIM SWINDLER // PRESIDENTIit would be a good idea to alert our entireair emissions rules that apply in states other than Califor-thought membership of the significance of what is going on innia do not have such a mandatory repower/retirement re-California with respect to the emissions requirementsquirement).In California, the older the marine engine, the for most passenger vessels and other sectors of the near- sooner an operator must replace it to comply with existing shore marine industry. For better or worse, California isCalifornia marine engine emissions requirements.often at the forefront of regulatory initiatives that often find their way across the country. While the costs and impacts on vessels and operators to meetpriorrevisionstotheCARBHarborCraftrule For quite some time now, most passenger vessel owners andwere significant, they pale in comparison to what vessel operators in California have been subject to what is knownowners will now face to meet the most current revision to astheCARB(CaliforniaAirtheCARBHarborCraftrule, ResourcesBoard)HarborshouldtheEPAgrantCARBs Craft Rule. The rule was firstWhile the costs and impactsrequest for the necessary waiver adoptedin2008,requiringon vessels and operators totoenableCARBtobeginen-feweremissionsfrommarineforcing the newest revisions.engines.Thisrequirementsetmeet prior revisions to the out a schedule that required op- CARB Harbor Craft ruleThe latest proposed revisions to erators to replace older marinewere significant, they pale inCARB are insensitive to its finan-engines(bothpropulsionandcial impacts upon vessel owners auxiliary) with better perform- comparison to what vesseland operators. Many vessels will ingU.S.EnvironmentalPro- owners will now face. likelybefinanciallyunsuitable tection Agency (EPA)-certifiedfor repowering. At a future dateSuperior Craftsmanship, On-Schedule PerformanceTier 2, 3, and 4 engines. Whilespecified in the proposed regula-challenging for California vessel operators, fortunately mosttion, such a vessel will not be allowed to continue operation engine manufacturers were able to develop engines that suf- in California if it is not brought into compliance. Todays modern vessels are highly sophisticated and represent a much higher risk ficiently reduced emissions to meet the existing Harbor Craftprofile for a ship owner when it comes to selecting the right shipyard. Easterns requirements. However, the downside to vessel owners andChanges or improvements alone to engines will not suf-operators was two-fold as it was challenging and costly. First,ficientlyreduceemissionsandcomplywiththelatestproven track record of successfully engineering and building these large and the cost associated with purchasing and replacing existingversion of the rule. Consequently, additional equipment,complex ships on time and on budget dramatically reduces that risk. As one of the engines with newer engines necessary to meet the Harbori.e., select catalytic recovery (SCRs) and diesel particulatetop tier-two shipyards in the United States, Eastern Shipbuilding Group is the reliable Craft rule was significant, and second, the work associatedfilter (DPFs), will be necessary to reduce emissions to apartner you can trust to deliver your next vessel on time, every time.with removing and installing the newer engines to meet thelevel that will comply with CARBs latest rule. In many necessary requirements added even more cost. In most casescases, existing vessels will not be able to be modified to vessel modifications were also necessary, resulting in heavieraccommodate the equipment necessary in addition to the vessels, loss of speed, and increased fuel consumption. engine upgrades.As noted earlier, CARB rules set mandatory retirementOn page 8 of this issue is the first of three articles from Chris-dates for older existing engines, thereby forcing the passen- tian Stark of PVA associate member Aurora Marine Design ger vessel operator to repower or retire the equipment (EPAclosely analyzing the details of the CARB document. The sales@easternshipbuilding.com850-763-1900Continued on page 45 Follow us onFOGHORN 4 Panama City AllantonPort St. JoeFerriesSIF2023-FG8.375x10.875.indd 1 6/29/2023 7:08:13 AM'