If you are a ship owner, operator or engineer, you may have heard of the term NOx Technical File. But what is it exactly and why is it important? In this blog post, we will explain what a NOx Technical File is, what it contains and what it is used for.
NOx Technical File-All Details You need to know
A NOx Technical File is a document that contains information about the engine’s components, settings and operating values that influence its nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. NOx are harmful pollutants that contribute to acid rain, smog and climate change. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set limits on NOx emissions from marine diesel engines under Annex VI of the MARPOL Convention, which entered into force in 2005.
The NOx Technical File is required by Chapter 2 of the NOx Technical Code 2008, which is a supplement to Annex VI. The NOx Technical Code provides the technical requirements and procedures for testing, surveying and certifying marine diesel engines for compliance with the NOx emission limits. The NOx emission limits vary depending on the engine’s rated speed and the ship’s construction date, and are divided into three tiers: Tier I, Tier II and Tier III.
The NOx Technical File is prepared by the engine manufacturer and approved by the Administration (the flag state or a recognized organization acting on its behalf). The NOx Technical File must accompany the engine throughout its life and always be available on board the ship. The NOx Technical File must also contain a copy of the Engine International Air Pollution Prevention (EIAPP) Certificate, which is issued after the engine passes the initial emission test at the manufacturer’s test bed.
The NOx Technical File must include the following information:
– Identification of those components, settings and operating values of the engine that influence its NOx emissions, including any NOx reducing device or system.
– Identification of the full range of allowable adjustments or alternatives for the components of the engine.
– Full record of the relevant engine’s performance, including the engine’s rated speed and rated power.
– A system of onboard NOx verification procedures to verify compliance with the NOx emission limits during onboard verification surveys in accordance with Chapter 6 of the NOx Technical Code.
– A copy of the relevant parent engine test data, as given in section 2 of appendix 5 of the NOx Technical Code.
– If applicable, the designation and restrictions for an engine that is an engine within an engine family or engine group.
– Specifications of those spare parts/components that, when used in the engine, according to those specifications, will result in continued compliance of the engine with the applicable NOx emission limit.
The onboard NOx verification procedures are methods to check if an engine has remained in compliance with the applicable requirements of Annex VI during its service life. There are three methods: engine parameter check method, simplified measurement method and direct measurement and monitoring method. The method to be used depends on the type of engine and the approval of the Administration.
This File is a vital document that ensures that an engine meets the environmental standards set by IMO. It also helps to avoid penalties or delays due to non-compliance. Therefore, it is important to keep it updated and accessible at all times.
