Port Air Quality is a Dangerous and Growing Problem
​Large Ocean-Going Vessels use diesel-fired engines and burners  to run boilers and generate on-board electricity while moored in port. These ships release substantial pollution, degrading our atmosphere and impacting our region's most disadvantaged communities. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) projects that by 2023 oceangoing ships will surpass heavy-duty diesel trucks to become Southern California's largest source of air pollution.

The primary pollutants emitted from the exhaust stack of an oceangoing vessel are NOx and diesel particulates. 
NOx emissions consist of nitric oxide (NO),nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and other forms of oxidized nitrogen. They are highly-reactive and  elevated concentrations are known to irritate the respiratory system, contribute to the development of asthma, increase susceptibility to respiratory infections, triggering increased hospital admissions and emergency rooms visits. NOx molecules also interact with water, oxygen and other chemicals in the atmosphere, forming acid rain, harming  sensitive ecosystems and contributing to nutrient pollution in coastal waters. 

Diesel particulates are unburned hydrocarbons from the combustion of diesel fuel. Particulates  can cause respiratory irritation, bind with and discolor exposed materials and are harmful to humans and wildlife.  Filtration systems for removing particulates, mandated on land-based vehicles, are not generally found in the power systems of Ocean-Going Vessels.

The AERAS Solution
Recognizing the challenges of port air quality and ship emissions CARB, the California Air Resources Board, AQMD and other regulators have set improved standards for vessel emissions, and vessel operators have been seeking economically viable solutions to the problem of port air quality.  In some instances this has meant outfitting vessels and terminals with shore power connections so that vessels in port turn off their on-board power plants and draw power from the land-based electrical grid.  However, in many instances such connections are not economically or technically feasible.  Such instances require an innovative solution.

AERAS Technologies (AERAS is Greek for "air") systems are designed to capture emissions in those instances where shore power is not economically or technically viable, ensuring that vessel owners and ports can comply with California Air Resources Board "at-berth" emissions requirements.​

The AERAS system is designed to nearly eliminate particulate , NOx, and reactive organic gas emissions from Ocean-Going Vessel (OGV) engines.  The system represents a proprietary marine integration of proven emission control technology that is already the standard for stationary sources such as power plants.

AERAS systems have the capacity to treat the flue gas of a diverse range of engines and operating conditions from approximately 250 KW to about 2,200 KW engines. A single AERAS system can simultaneously extract emissions from multiple engines and boilers.  

​AERAS systems can be deployed on an autonomous barge that is moored alongside ships at berth or it can be set up onshore in locations where shore power is not practical.  Our system will capture emissions from container, tanker , bulk and general cargo vessel fleets. 

Most importantly, the AERAS system attaches to existing ship stacks with a system of flexible ductwork mounted on a tower with an articulating arm.  No shipboard modifications are needed to begin immediately eliminating at-berth emissions.