Gunderson Marine Utilizes Volvo Penta Engines to Meet Emission Standards

The newest articulated tank barge Gunderson Marine is building for Overseas Shipholding Group will be one of the first in the world to be dual certified as meeting EPA Tier 3 and IMO III emission standards. The barge is reaching this monumental milestone because of the Volvo Penta engines recommended by our marine team to Gunderson and OSG.

The 582-foot-long barge will be flagged as a U.S. vessel and will operate in both U.S. and international waters, which requires the engines to meet the stringent emission standards.

“Because of our long-term relationship with Gunderson we were able to demonstrate to OSG that Volvo Penta’s engine package was the best option for not only powering the barge, but for meeting the required emissions standards,” said Doug Schwedland, Vice President of Pacific Power Group’s marine division.

Power Plus Cleaner Emissions

The marine team worked closely with Gunderson in selecting the Volvo Penta engine packages and paralleling switchgear for the ATB barge. The specifics are:

• Four Volvo Penta D13MH auxiliary cargo pump engines, each of which produces 400 hp.
• Three Volvo Penta D13 MG marine generator sets, with each engine producing 360 kw.
• A custom designed and built four section generator paralleling switchboard, which is designed specifically for and integrated for use with each of the Volvo Penta D13 MG 360kWe, 480 V generators.

The EPA Tier 3/IMO III engines utilize Volvo Penta’s Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) exhaust aftertreatment system, which converts nitrogen oxides in the exhaust into a harmless mix of nitrogen and water.

The engines were delivered to Gunderson’s shipyard in Portland, Oregon, in May 2019. The vessel was launched in December with an assist from Shaver Transportation’s tugs Vancouver and Sommer S. Construction will be completed, and the vessel will be delivered in May 2020.

Efficient Operation

The articulated tug and barge provides OSG with an extremely efficient transportation vessel. Its size and operation resembles a ship but requires significantly fewer personnel to operate.

“Our D13 auxiliary diesel package is a perfect solution for gensets and cargo pumps on articulated tank barge applications,” said Jens Bering, vice president of marine sales for Volvo Penta of the Americas. “We are working closely with our valued Power Center partner Pacific Power Group to meet Gunderson Marine’s requirements for reliable performance, fuel efficiency and regulatory compliance for operation in U.S. and international waters.”

Gunderson has already started construction on a second barge for OSG with anticipated completion in November 2020.