Repower Brings Ferry into IMO Tier III Compliance
Norwegian ferry Bastø Fosen I is the first vessel commissioned with a globally certified International Maritime Organization (IMO) Tier III compliant marine engine that does not need urea based after treatment.
The completely refurbished and repowered Bastø Fosen I has been equipped with GE’s Marine Solutions 16V250MDC, a 16 cylinder 250 mm bore marine diesel engine that is certified to meet both IMO Tier III and EPA Tier 4 emission standards, reducing key emissions by more than 70 percent, according to the engine manufacturer.
GE said choosing a medium speed engine with EGR technology over urea based systems saves engine room space by eliminating the need for a separate SCR system and urea storage tanks, preserving space for cargo, accommodation and fuel, water and oil tanks. Additionally, this option minimizes operating expenses, as urea based systems can add 5-8 percent of fuel expenses, while also maximizing engine efficiency and load response with a ramp up from idle to full load of about 15 seconds.
The Norway stationed Bastø Fosen I ferry is commissioned to cross the Oslo fjord, operating the 30-minute route between Horten and Moss. The route currently uses three ferries, carrying 2.5 million people annually. The Bastø Fosen II ferry will make the trek to Fiskerstrand Verft AS in the fall for refurbishing and installation of its own IMO Tier III compliant GE diesel engine. Bastø Fosen has also ordered six, 8L250MDC, IMO III compliant eight-cylinder in-line engines for three new ferries currently under construction, which launch later in 2016.
Bastø Fosen, part of Torghatten Group ASA, is a major ferry operator in Norway providing annual transit service to more than 1.7 million vehicles and 3.4 million passengers. Local service support for Bastø Fosen will be provided by GE’s distributor, Turner EPS.