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US firm WR Systems has upgraded its Emsys Emissions Monitoring System to measure mass emissions rates in anticipation of the proposed introduction of the EU's monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from maritime transport.

The latest upgrade uses in-stack exhaust gas mass flow sensors to measure the total output, and calculations provide stack emissions rates in kilograms per hour (kg/h) and total mass emissions in kilograms and tonnes (kg/tonnes) for each measured gas, including CO2.

WR says it has received a significant number of orders for Emsys emissions mass flow systems for newbuild contracts in the Far East. The company claims its current order book stretches well into 2015 and is bolstered by recent contract awards from both domestic and international customers.

Simon Brown, WR’s Director of International Maritime Business, remarked: "Emsys was always designed as a tool to help owners comply with the relevant emissions regulations, but additionally to provide data which can allow optimization of vessel performance. The EU’s MRV proposal is only the first step in a long process for vessel emission reductions within the EU zone. Although the IMO has been working for a number of years on improving overall vessel efficiency, an apparent lack of transparency and numerous delays have forced the EU into considering unilateral action. I personally think the delay of Tier III NOX implementation from 2016 until 2021 (MEPC 65) might have convinced regulators that IMO may not have the “will” or the mechanisms to meet future emissions reduction targets.

"WR’s Emsys program was created to meet the requirements of both IMO and market-based instruments (MBIs); therefore, we became the first company to Type Approve a marine EMS for this purpose in September 2010. The maritime market is constantly changing, scrubbers are now being rapidly implemented to meet the forthcoming SOX regulations, and Emsys has proven itself the compliance monitor of choice on many different scrubber types. I also believe the recent ordering spree for ECO vessels is a positive move for the industry. Many new technologies and vessel design features will be introduced and data from Emsys will help verify the efficacy of the reductions claimed using our new and unique mass emissions flow rate option."