Horizon Lines, Inc. has announced that it has received a permit providing a conditional waiver from the North American Emission Control Area (ECA) fuel sulphur content requirements of MARPOL Annex VI regulation 14.4.
The permit is in force while Horizon pursues the installation of an exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS) on each of its three D7-class vessels which operate in the Alaska trade.
The permit was issued by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and became effective in 2015. The permit will allow these Horizon vessels to use low sulphur fuel oil in their main engines while operating between Washington state and Alaska, subject to compliance with other terms and restrictions of the permit.
"Horizon is committed to operating its vessels and terminals in accordance with all environmental regulations, and continuing to serve its customers in the most efficient and reliable means possible," the company said in a statement.
Additionally, Horizon has entered into a supply agreement with
Alfa Laval Aalborg Nijmegen BV for the design and procurement of the
PureSox 2.0 EGCS for the three Horizon D7-class vessels which operate in the Alaska trade.
This Alfa Laval EGCS is a multiple inlet hybrid system which is designed to clean the exhaust gas from the main engine as well as the main generators.
Horizon says it expects to incur a total cost of approximately $18.0 million in connection with the EGCS installation for the three vessels. Installation of the first system is planned to begin on the
Horizon Kodiak in September 2015, and completion of the project is expected by December 31, 2016.
"This EGCS project represents a significant investment for Horizon and will be developed and installed in close coordination with Alfa Laval, the American Bureau of Shipping, and the U.S. regulatory agencies. Horizon values the partnership with the EPA and the USCG in supporting the advancement of this exhaust gas cleaning systems project, and looks forward to sharing the knowledge and experience gained during the evolution of this project with the maritime industry," Horizon Lines said.
