Clean Air

Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions contribute to the formation of ozone, or smog.  VOC emissions have both an environmental impact and a health impact.  The marine industry has responded by fitting vapor collection systems aboard marine tank vessels and installing shoreside processing facilities to control high vapor pressure cargoes, including gasoline and crude oils.  Feedback from Tankermen indicates that improvements in working conditions alone make the modifications worthwhile.  Glosten can help clients identify a framework for selecting a viable system, and give them an overview of several VCS options. 

Glosten worked with Foss Maritime Long Beach in 2002 to develop and deploy onboard carbon adsorption processing systems.  This project was the first of its kind for the current regulatory environment.  A similar system was subsequently installed on the tankship Chevron Washington.  Glosten has also helped develop systems for vapor lightering, where barge-mounted equipment process vapor off-loaded from tankships.  See Strategies for Emissions Abatement, White Paper, 2009.

Emissions control from combustion processes is increasingly regulated.  Standards now address NOx, CO, CO2, SOx, tailpipe hydrocarbons, and particulate matter including soot.  Glosten is able to assist clients in evaluating a range of options that include catalytic converters, particulate traps, catalyst injection, particulate filters, exhaust gas recycling, and alternative fuels and additives.

Some of Glosten’s experience with air emission reduction projects includes work for

• Third Generation Design, Onboard Hydrocarbon Vapor Processing System
• Washington State Ferries, Puget Sound Clean Air, Biodiesel Feasibility
• Matson Navigation, Shoreside Electrification “Cold Ironing” Shipboard Modifications
• ACTI, Exhaust Gas Capture System, Barge Platform Concepts
• Premier Environment, Exhaust Gas Scrubbing (Krystallon), Harbor Craft Prototype
• Crowley Maritime, Natural Gas Powered Harbor Tug, Contract Design
• Trillium, Windmill Vessel Owner’s Concept Design, Great Lakes Installation