NOx – Nitrogen Oxides

These regulations apply to diesel engines with an output larger than 130 kW, according to Chapter 13 in the Swedish Transport Agency's Regulations (TSFS 2010:96) on measures for the prevention of water pollution from ships, which implements the REVISED MARPOL ANNEX VI into Swedish law. A separate code (the NOx Technical Code 2008) is connected to the regulation. How high the maximum allowed emission level for each engine may be is determined by the manufacturing date of the engine and when the vessel is built. Engines solely used for emergencies are exempted.

  1. Vessels built before 1990 has no emission levels as of today. A replacement engine must comply with IMO TIER I if it is not an identical replacement. Whether the engine is an identical replacement or not is decided by the Administration.
  2. For vessels built between 1990 and 1999 with engines of 5000 kW or below the rules for vessels built before 1990 apply. As soon as a certified approved method is commercially available, vessels with engines of 5000 kW or more and a cylinder displacement above 90 liters per cylinder shall install that method in order to achieve NOx emissions as per IMO Tier I.
  3. Vessels built in the years 2000 to 2010 inclusive shall at least comply with IMO Tier I.
  4. Vessels built in 2011 shall at least comply with IMO Tier II.
  5. New installations and replacements, including major conversions, of engines on vessels built in 2000 or later must comply with the requirements in force at the time of installation.

Emissions within ECA (emission control area) and NECA (NOx emission control area)

Vessels built 2016 and later operating inside an emission control area shall comply with IMO Tier III.

This requirement does not apply to boats under 24 meters of length, solely built for recreational purposes.

Vessels with a maximum installed power of  750 kW may, after application to the Swedish Transport Agency,  get an exemption if its design or construction inhibits abatement technology installations.

The NOx Technical Code 2008 is applied to the certification, testing and measurements procedures of these standards to ensure that engines comply with emissions standards in force.

More information is obtainable in TSFS 2010:96, Chapter 13, which is the Swedish equivalent to MARPOL ANNEX VI.