A marine air quality study centered on the conversion of an inland towboat to dual-fuel diesel/liquid natural gas (LNG) and subsequent emissions testing is being carried out in the U.S. by The Shearer Group, Inc. (TSGI) in conjunction with Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities (PRCC) and Clean Fuels Clean Rivers (CFCR). As part of the project, the participants will develop technology to support the LNG conversion and to monitor before and after emissions.
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) Maritime Environmental and Technical Assistance Program (META) grant awarded to the CFCR coalition is the first-ever awarded by the federal government specifically targeting the marine community operating in the Nation’s inland rivers.
The CFCR goal is to research and develop the technology to allow marine operators to use a clean burning alternative to diesel. This in turn allows them to meet new EPA emission requirements and reduce environmental impact to the inland waterways.
“We are excited about receiving the first grant of its kind from MARAD,” said Rick Price, Executive Director of PRCC. “Our selection highlights the quality partnerships the PRCC has developed over the years. We look forward to leading the way in the national effort to conduct environmentally responsible marine operations on our Nation’s river systems.”
TSGI will be providing naval architecture services for the conversion of the vessel. It is expected to be the first dual-fuel LNG towboat on U.S. inland waterways upon completion of the conversion.
(Source: The Shearer Group, Inc.)
