AIDA newbuilds to use laser emissions monitoring

AUGUST 31, 2012 — The two 3,250 passenger cruise ships that Carnival’s AIDA Cruises has on order at the Nagasaki Shipyard of Japanese shipbuilder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are planned to set new standards in environment friendliness. To help meet that objective they will be equipped with new technology developed by Norfolk, Va., headquartered WRSystems to assist the maritime industry comply with MARPOL Annex VI emissions standards.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has ordered WRSystems’ Emsys advanced laser emissions monitoring equipment for both ships.

The Emsys continuous emissions monitoring system has a unique laser-based emissions sensor, allowing high accuracy measurement for up to 10 exhaust stacks. The system also has the capability to measure smoke (Opacity) and Particulate Matter (PM). The standard configuration measures NOx, SOx and CO2, and has been awarded Type Approval by ABS to cover each of these pollutants. Emsys can also be configured to report carbon monoxide (CO) and methane (CH4). These latter gases are not yet covered under IMO Regulations but are seen as critical going forward, as the upward trend for using LNG as a marine fuel may bring further challenges regarding air pollution.

WRSystems has previously announced key contract awards for Emsys in the cruise sector for monitoring of exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers) on-board two of Royal Caribbean’s Freedom Class vessels. The Emsys system has also achieved major success in the offshore sector where multiple installations have been undertaken to meet local air permit requirements.

WRSystems International Maritime Business Director Simon Brown says the comany is “delighted” to have won the AIDA newbuild contract.

“These vessels will be constructed to the highest environmental standards and feature many new technologies to reduce emissions and improve efficiency,” notes Mr. Brown. “The implementation of Emsys will provide real-world verification of the vessels’ emissions footprint and allow optimization of operating performance through continuous emissions monitoring.”

Irene Wong, Purchasing Coordinator of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America commented “These vessels will be the most environmentally advanced cruise ships ever constructed, therefore choosing the correct suppliers is critically important. We are pleased to be working with WRSystems by installing their Emsys laser emissions monitoring system on this project.”