Outboard emission standard update

Environment Minister Greg Hunt announced on Friday (Feb 27) an Agreement between the state and federal ministers that will see emissions standards for outboards on the table by mid 2015.

According to the Minister's announcement: "Governments will complete work by mid 2015 to develop emissions control measures for: non-road spark ignition engines and equipment." (Non-road spark ignition engines will include outboards and  petrol engines for generators).

"We welcome the business certainty that engine emissions standards are at last on a timetable," said Australia Marine Engine Council (AMEC) Chair David Heyes. Congratulating the Minister he added, "Greg Hunt is providing direction and is keeping to his schedule".

The emissions targeted by the proposed regulations are Hydrocarbons, Oxides of Nitrogen, and Carbon Monoxide.

A press release from the AMEC said that it's possible the last carby two strokes will be delivered for Christmas this year, but it is more likely that 'D-day' will be some time in 2016.

After that date, only engines that meet the new standard will be imported. Australia will probably match the USA EPA standard.

"Basically it means only three-star engines," according to Analyst Gary Fooks. "It looks like all of the E-Tec and other direct-injection two strokes on the market as well as almost every four stroke model are here to stay. It is carby and EFI two strokes that will disappear from shelves.

The regulations will also mean changes for boat builders. John Haines of Haines Signature explained: "Boat builders will have the responsibility of reducing fuel vapour emissions. That’s achieved by using low vapour fuel lines, a carbon canister on the fuel vent and either an overflow or ullaged to allow for fuel expansion in a full tank. We have worked these requirements into every hull in our range and have been ready for about three years now. “

AMEC says it is offering to assist boat builders to understand the proposed changes, so they can start to incorporate them into their designs.

AMEC believes this is good news, for Australians as well as for industry. The marine sector in North America or Europe did not decline when they decided to regulate outboard emissions a decade ago. AMEC holds that clean technologies will deliver the industry a better image in the wider community.

The difference between outboards is dramatic. According to the audited USA EPA engine certification data, and 8hp carby two stroke pushes out 59 per cent more emissions per hour than a 150hp four stroke. With solid data like that it’s hard argue against regulations.

Australia is fourteen years behind the USA in implementing emission standards for non-road engines. We lag behind Canada, Europe, and Japan and are about two years behind China, says AMEC.