Engines must meet strict requirements

To follow up on ‘Filters for the problem' by Andy Hamilton, I must point out that the issue with the proposed legislation is not with emission control for existing engines, writes Orph Mable.

Strict levels

The issue that the industrial engine manufacturers face is that engines that do not meet the proposed comprehensive and strict levels will not be able to be produced or imported for sale in the EU.

This is highlighted by the recent furore over the EU limiting motor power on vacuum cleaners etc. In that case the more powerful engines are just not going to be available no matter how much the customer wants them.

Must meet new requirements

Engine manufacturers/importers will have to show that the ‘standard' production engine meets these requirements before it can be imported to EU. Thus Yanmar, Mitsubishi, Kabota, Kyoti and Lister who between them, manufacture the majority of core engines that are marinised for the majority of new boat engines, will have to meet the new legislation.

Some or all may not wish to re-tool to meet the requirement which will reduce the number/choice available to marinisers thus increasing the price and limiting choice to boat builders.