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Finnish firm Wartsila has been awarded model year 2017 certification of emissions compliance from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its Wartsila 34DF dual-fuel engine series.

The EPA Tier III certification and the corresponding EIAPP certificate were both issued in March 2017. The Tier III certification of conformity covers the Wartsila 34DF engines manufactured from the date of issue until the end of 2017.

These are the first Category 3 Tier III certificates issued by the EPA to any manufacturer. Category 3 relates to engines with a displacement per cylinder of greater than 30 litres.

The certification verifies that the Wartsila 34DF engine is fully compliant with the EPA Tier III emission standards in gas mode operation. As required by the EPA Tier III standard, the engine is equipped with a continuous nitrogen oxide (NOx) measuring and monitoring system for verifying emissions compliancy inside NOx Emission Control Areas (NECA). When sailing outside NECAs, the fuel-flexible 34DF engine can be operated with conventional marine diesel fuels if required.

"Once again Wartsila technology is leading the way to greater environmental sustainability and a cleaner shipping industry. It is an honour for the company to be the first to be awarded this important EPA certification," said Patrik Wagar, Product Director, Medium Bore Engines, Wartsila Marine Solutions.

The Wartsila 34DF engine

The 34DF engine features dual-fuel technology and is designed to provide high efficiency. More than 300 engines have been delivered globally.

For marine applications, the engine is manufactured in configurations from 6 to 16 cylinders covering a power range of 2880 - 8000 kW. Based on the Wartsila 32 diesel engine introduced in the mid-1990s, the 34DF's fuel flexibility is said to optimise the engine for constant speed generating sets, as well as variable speed mechanical drives for main engine applications.