EPA approves Rolls-Royce marine natural gas engine for sale in US

4 September 2012

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved for sale in the US market marine natural gas engines designed to improve fuel efficiency, cut methane slip emissions and meet strict international environmental standards set to take effect in 2016.

9-cylinder version of Rolls-Royce marine gas engine in engine room. Click to enlarge.

EPA issued a Certificate of Conformity for the C-engine range from Rolls-Royce. These engines are already in operation on car ferries and coastal ferries in Europe, and are being installed on the world’s first gas-powered tugs to be used in operation for Statoil.

The EPA approval gives us a head start in the US market, and we are proud to be able to provide ship owners with an efficient and long-term solution for reduced fuel consumption and emissions. Furthermore, this latest C26:33 engine, which is highly suitable for tugs, articulated tug barges, ferries, coastal vessels and offshore support vessels, has cut methane slip to very low levels.

—Neil Gilliver, President - Merchant, Rolls-Royce

The Bergen C26:33 lean-burn gas engines have a cylinder diameter of 260 mm and a piston stroke of 330 mm; they come in 6-, 8- and 9-cylinder configurations, with a maximum continuous rating of up to 2,430 kW (3,259 hp) at 900–1000 rpm.

The Rolls-Royce marine gas engine ranges fulfill the requirements for operation in Emission Control Areas and the strict International Maritime Organization (IMO) Tier III rules that come into force in 2016, and the forthcoming and more stringent Tier IV emissions limits.