Written by Kris Land
Today, many companies and organizations have devoted significant time and funds to discovering better
ways to reduce emissions from diesel engines. The earth has become a top priority for many people, and this carries over in the business world. The main problem is creating innovative methods that will make an impact on emissions that are not cost prohibitive. Lets face it, business is about money, and money speaks loud. If an approach to emissions reduction was discovered that was also less expensive, many businesses would immediately switch.
Right now, many organizations are working hard to come up with a better way to lower diesel engine emissions. The Caterpillar company, well known for their construction equipment and industrial machinery, has taken steps for a greener future. Through the Caterpillar Engine Repower program, the company rebuilds older diesel engines to much stricter regulations regarding emissions production.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently taking two approaches to reduce emissions in the country. In May of 2004, the EPA added a new requirement that lowered the amount of allowable levels of sulfur used in fuel for marine vessels by 99 percent. In March of 2008, the EPA finished compiling a three part program that would lower marine diesel emissions to fewer than 30 liters per cylinder displacement. This change would effect tugboats, recreational and smaller fishing vessels, and Great Lakes freighters. These changes are believed to be capable of cutting down emissions from the types of boats listed by as much as an amazing 90 percent.
While companies, organizations and governments work hard to come up with a solution to the emissions problem, the future plans for the Sea Bird will take yet another approach. Utilizing green technology that is still in its experimental stages, the Sea Bird will prove that a large vessel can run clean while helping to clean up plastic waste in the ocean.
A significant amount of time and study has gone into these experimental, eco-friendly technologies. If the Sea Bird is given a fair chance to show the world that we can live cleaner and improve our natural home, then maybe this old former Navy vessel can open up a doorway for others to follow her through. Emissions is only one pollution problem the earth is currently suffering from, but if we can conquer it, then there will be little mankind cannot do to correct the wasteful problems of the past.
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Related Articles:
San Diego Dry Dock (part 2)Chris Conant
Gas vs. Diesel vs. Tesla TurbineSarah Paulin
Global Climate Change vs. Global WarmingSarah Paulin
Powering the Sea Bird: The G50 Baldor Reliance AC VC MotorKris Land
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1944: Camano Class Light Cargo Ship was laid down for the US Army as FS-289 at Wheeler Shipbuilding in Whitestone, NY.
1945: Delivered to US Army.
1950: Acquired by the US Navy on July 1, 1950 and placed in service as USNS New Bedford (T-AKL-17).
1954: The movie, Mister Roberts, was made on the USNS New Bedford (T-AKL-17).
1955 - 1963: Used as a cargo supply ship for the Texas Towers, a network of advanced radar stations located off the Eastern Seaboard. In 1957, Capt. Sixto Mangual was commander of the AKL-17 and in 1961 it was rechristened the USNS New Bedford. The New Bedford, sailing out of State Pier, was keeping vigil when Texas Tower No. 4 callapsed off the New Jersey coast during a January 1961 nor'easter.
1963: Reclassified as Miscellaneous Unclassified (IX-308).
1971: The New Bedford (IX-308) served as a Torpedo Test Firing Vessel in the Puget Sound area.
1994: Ceremony in New Bedford.
1995: The ship was struck from the Naval Register on April 4.
2004: The Sea Bird's current disposition is a tuna long liner (fishing boat) out of San Diego, CA.
2006: Design of the Tesla Turbine began on June 11, 2006. The Sea Bird was sold by Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service for commercial service.
2007: The Sea Bird was drydocked for renovations.
2008: The Sea Bird setting sail to Sea-Tac in Seattle, WA.
2009 - 2010: The Sea Bird is currently docked at Seattle Sea-Tac.
