US fishing vessel powering and NOx emissions

This paper presents the results of SNAME Small Craft Panel SC-3 Fishing Systems investigation of trends in US fishing vessel (Fig. 1) (L > 22.9 m) powering and NOx emissions (1900-2000). The study estimates the 1,299 vessels in the US fishing fleet produce 306 tons/day of NOx. The largest powers are found in the decades of 1960-1980. The actual power kW is compared to a reference power kW, using the Powering Index Ratio PIR = kW/kW(o). It was found that 50 to 80% of the power in seiners, trawlers, and crabber/ trapper/clam vessels have PIR > 2.5. The reduction of fishing vessel diesel engine NOx can be best achieved by adopting acceptable levels of vessel power/length for the basis of revenue and tax rather than using the vessel age as emissions reduction criteria.