CARB approves barge mounted alternative to shore power

Written by Nick Blenkey
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AMEC system attach to ship's auxiliary exhaust stacks

AEG's Advanced Maritime Emission Control System (AMECS), essentially, takes a barge-mounted  scrubber system to the ship. Unlike existing shore power options, it does not require retrofits to each vessel.

"AMECS is a game-changer in the fields of emission control and air quality. Multiple AMECS units can remove thousands of tons of pollutants each year," said Ruben Garcia, President of AEG. "These mobile barge-mounted systems use patented technology to attach to the auxiliary exhaust stacks of nearly any vessel entering port – at-berth or at-anchor – eliminating the need for expensive ship retrofits, and providing the public with cleaner air."

AMECS is approved for simultaneous emission capture from two exhaust stacks of a single ship, with independently verified test results proving 90% to 99% reduction of the particulate matter (PM), nitrous oxides (NOx), and sulfur dioxides (SO2) found in diesel exhaust.

"CARB's approval of AMECS as an alternative to the at-berth emissions reductions rule provides the flexibility our shipping lines need while protecting our environment and creating new jobs for our communities," said representatives from the Port of Long Beach, a strong supporter of AMECS throughout its development.

In 2013, the Port of Long Beach provided about $2 million in seed money to help test the  AMECS system.

"We're thrilled any time we can find more tools to reduce emissions and continue to improve community health. That's why we fund projects like the demonstration and testing of these new technologies, through our Technology Advancement Program," said Board of Harbor Commissioners President Lori Ann Guzmán. "We've made a lot of progress in reducing air pollution, and we are nurturing new technologies like these to help us do even more."

OCTOBER 22, 2015 — Advanced Environmental Group, LLC (AEG) has received California Air Resource Board (CARB) approval via an Executive Order for what could prove an attractive alternative to shoreside power (cold ironing) as a means of dealing with emissions from ships’ auxiliary engines when in port.

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