Customer Story: 4G Management Charts a Cleaner Course with Rypos Technology in Maritime Operations
One of Rypos’ clients, 4G Management Inc, has been committed to reducing diesel emissions at our nation’s port for decades. With an extensive background in the emergency response and environmental services sectors, it was an easy transition. Recognizing the impact of increasingly strict environmental regulations, the company set out to create solutions that would not only comply with but exceed these standards. This led to the development of advanced, environmentally and CARB-compliant emission capture and control systems mounted on barges aimed at supporting cleaner port operations while ocean-going vessels are at berth. Today, a significant part of their approach involves integrating Rypos Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) into 4G Management barge designs, with 9 Rypos filters installed across multiple projects to date.
Staying ahead of the curve to meet maritime regulations
In a heavily regulated and enforced maritime industry, 4G Management needed a reliable, proven solution to reduce diesel particulate matter (PM) emissions on its barges. The goal was to ensure the company remained ahead of the curve in emissions control while also improving operational efficiency.
After extensive research, Rypos DPFs were identified as the most viable solution. As a leading manufacturer in DPM removal, Rypos DPFs achieve over 90+% reduction in PM emissions.
Each new 4G project is built upon previous successes allowing continuous improvement. While early installations used fuel oil and bunker fuel, more recent projects have shifted to cleaner fuels, further enhancing the effectiveness of the Rypos filters.
Emissions reduction: results in numbers
Now, with every 4G barge equipped with Rypos filters, the fleet consistently achieves a reduction in particulate matter of up to 97%. 4G systems are clean, with a negative carbon index using RNG as a fuel source and produce no hazardous waste, which gives them a clear advantage over competitors.
Additionally, the integration of Rypos technology has improved 4G Management’s ability to meet regulatory requirements without generating harmful byproducts, a key selling point for environmentally conscious clients. Unlike other systems, which produce hazardous waste requiring disposal, Rypos filters offer a clean solution.
CARB compliant
In California, where emissions regulations are the strictest in the country, finding solutions that are CARB (California Air Resources Board) approved is necessary. Any technology designed to reduce diesel particulate matter must not only be effective but also meet CARB’s standards to be legally implemented in the state.
Today, CARB approval isn’t just a regulatory hurdle, it’s a gold standard. Technology that passes CARB certification can be trusted for use not only in California but anywhere in the world. Rypos has long been focused on creating products that meet CARB criteria, ensuring their DPFs are compliant with California’s environmental requirements.
4G’s plans for scaling barge operations
With the demand for emission-controlled barges increasing alongside Ro-Ro and tanker fleets facing new regulations beginning January 2025, 4G plans to scale its operations significantly. A Ro-Ro vessel, or roll-on roll-off vessel, is a ship specifically designed to transport wheeled cargo, such as vehicles, trucks, trailers and other heavy equipment, by allowing them to be driven on and off the ship. This efficient design makes Ro-Ro vessels essential for transporting large volumes of wheeled goods across ports worldwide.
The company estimates the need for at least 50+ barges to meet the regulatory demands on the West Coast alone. 4G has also secured agreements with East Coast shipyards, including the Philly Shipyard, to accelerate its production timeline. Each project is estimated to take approximately six months to complete and can build multiple systems simultaneously. 4G has committed to installing Rypos technology on every barge and dock-based system they build.
Customer-first mentality
4G Management has been extremely pleased with the partnership with Rypos, citing both the technology and customer service as standout factors.
“Rypos has been exceptional. They are always available, even on weekends or holidays” states Kevin Nicolello, executive vice president of 4G Management. “That level of service has been a real asset,” he remarked.
Rypos: providing long-term solutions for a cleaner maritime industry
It’s a fact. Particulate matter will continue to be an issue with diesel engines for the foreseeable future, as there’s no immediate alternative to replace them. While there
has been increasing discussion about cold ironing, where ships connect to shore power at ports, this solution is not feasible for many vessels visiting our ports.
Many port facilities lack the necessary infrastructure, and most ships are not equipped to utilize cold ironing. Additionally, the West Coast faces challenges with inconsistent power availability. Although shore power was expected to become more widespread, its implementation is unlikely to be realized within the next 10 years due to the current lack of infrastructure and sufficient power supply.
As for Rypos, the company is focused on providing ever-evolving equipment for the maritime industry. As Rypos engineers refine their designs, they hope to develop smaller, more efficient systems capable of managing a wider range of emissions. The future is full of opportunities for innovation, and Rypos will continue to lead the way in environmentally compliant marine operations.