Making a Conscious Change: Seaspan Marine’s Conversion to EALs

November 11, 2014

(Marine News) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under the Vessel General Permit (VGP), requires that all vessels over 79 feet use an “Environmentally Acceptable Lubricant” (EAL) in oil-to-water interfaces unless technically infeasible. The 2013 VGP revision also requires any above water line hull cleaning or deck washdowns resulting in discharge to be conducted with “minimally toxic, phosphate-free and biodegradable” cleaners and detergents as defi ned in the permit. These regulations are further extended to non-recreational or non-military vessels less than 79 feet in length that are operating as a means of transportation through the recently announced updates to the 2014 Small Vessel General Permit (sVGP). With these announcements, it is becoming more and more apparent that the U.S. is leading the way in the adoption of biodegradable products, such as EALs, in marine applications. For multi-national operators, the country in which they operate that has the most stringent product requirements determines their product selection.

Back to News