Omnitek Engineering has commenced the second phase of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency pilot project by choosing 12.7l Detroit Diesel Series 60 and the Caterpillar C15 engine models.
As part of this project, the company will develop diesel-to-natural gas engine conversion kits for these engine models and to obtain Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval.
The main aim of this project is to meet 2007 EPA emission standards for particulate emissions by 2017 for an estimated 2,000 drayage trucks serving the Port of Seattle's marine container terminals. The project includes trucking fleets and related service providers.
Omnitek's technology reduces particulate emissions including nitrogen oxides and greenhouse gas emissions.
Commenting on the selection, Omnitek Engineering president and chief executive officer Werner Funk said that converting diesel engines to operate on natural gas offers trucking operators a significant return on investment, with much lower fuel costs and cleaner combustion.
"We look forward to completing the second phase of the project and participating in a full-scale conversion program for the Port of Seattle in Washington," Funk added.
