Sulfur squeeze on for off-road diesel

Starting today, refineries that produce diesel fuel for the off-road market – which includes locomotives and marine vessels as well as farming, construction and mining equipment – must decrease the sulfur content level to 500 parts per million (PPM) from the current 3,000 PPM standard.

“Last year saw the nationwide availability of on-highway ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel enabling manufacturers to engineer the cleanest diesel trucks ever. This new fuel will begin bringing the same benefits to off-road equipment,” said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum.

By 2010, sulfur levels in most non-road diesel fuel will be reduced to 15 PPM, making it possible for engine manufacturers to use the same advanced exhaust control systems currently used on commercial trucks to reduce emissions. For locomotive and marine fuel, this step will occur in 2012.

“This new off-road fuel, combined with innovative engine technology, will dramatically reduce diesel emissions, with far-reaching clean air benefits,” noted Schaeffer.