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Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has announced that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved for sale in the U.S. market a state-of-the art marine gas engine designed to improve fuel efficiency, dramatically cut harmful methane emissions and meet strict international environmental standards set to take effect in 2016.

Neil Gilliver, President - Merchant, Rolls-Royce said: "This Certificate of Conformity by the EPA for our latest gas engine is good news for the US marine industry because LNG as a vessel fuel is indisputably the best long-term solution for ship owners. Our innovative vessel designs and gas-based power & propulsion systems help ship owners reduce through life costs and improve operational efficiency, while dramatically reducing harmful emissions and meeting strident future international environmental regulations."

The EPA Certificate of Conformity is issued for the C-engine range from Rolls-Royce. These engines are already in operation on car ferries and coastal ferries in Europe, and are being installed on the world’s first gas powered tugs to be used in operation for the major Norwegian oil company Statoil.

"The EPA approval gives us a head start in the US market," added Mr. Gilliver, "and we are proud to be able to provide ship owners with an efficient and long-term solution for reduced fuel consumption and emissions. Furthermore, this latest C26:33 engine, which is highly suitable for tugs, articulated tug barges, ferries, coastal vessels and offshore support vessels, has cut methane slip to very low levels."

The Rolls-Royce marine gas engine ranges fulfill the requirements for operation in Emission Control Areas and the very strict International Maritime Organization (IMO) Tier III rules that come into force in 2016, and the forthcoming and even tougher Tier IV emissions limits.