Hyundai Heavy develops eco-friendly marine engine

Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., the world's No. 1 shipbuilder, said it has developed an environmentally friendly marine engine that meets toughened regulations on greenhouse gas emissions. The company said it is the world's first marine engine that meets the new standards of the International Maritime Organization.
"The new engine reduces emissions of nitrogen oxides by 15 percent," it said in a press release. Nitrogen oxides, often referred to NOx, are known as a major greenhouse gas and air pollutant.
The product has been delivered to Yangfan Shipyard, China, after a test run, and will be installed in a bulk carrier, it said.
"Shipowners' demand for environmentally friendly products is increasing as awareness of the impact on the environment increases. Producing the first environmentally friendly engines meeting new IMO standards gives us a distinct advantage in this growing market," said Kim Eung-sung, the firm's senior vice president.
Hyundai Heavy is the world's largest engine producer, taking 35 percent of global marine engine market. It has been developing environmentally friendly marine engines as well as other vessel parts such as turbochargers, fuel valves, air coolers designed to meet toughened environmental regulations.
The IMO, a U.N. agency, has tightened the regulations for maritime transport emissions. As for NOx, the maximum emission target for marine engines has been slashed from 17 grams per 1kWh to 14.4 grams.
Ships built from Jan. 1, 2011 must have engines that comply with the new emissions targets.