Yara International of Norway has announced that it has acquired H+H Umwelt-und-Industrietechnik GmbH, which produces Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems for secondary NOx (nitrogen oxide, nitrogen dioxide) reduction in marine and stationary land engines. H+H supplied the SCR system for the Europa 2.

Thus, Yara said in a prepared that it has strengthened its position as a leader in emissions control for ships, industrial plants and heavy-duty vehicles. Increasingly stringent environmental regulations, including in the U.S. and Europe are imposing tougher NOx reduction standards on cruise ship, containership and bulk carrier operators, as well as on power plant, waste incinerator and cement plant operators. H+H is currently a leading provider of SCR systems to these shipping and industrial markets.

NOx control requirements will come into force in ECAs (emission control areas) across the world’s territorial waters with the implementation of new IMO regulations.

With the H+H acquisition, Yara said it will become the only company able to produce both major secondary NOx after-treatment equipment – plus the chemical reagents needed to operate them.

In addition to Yara’s existing position in SNCR (selective non-catalytic reduction) technology, the company is complementing its portfolio with the other major after-treatment technology, SCR that can reduce emissions to air by over 90%.  Such technology developments are said to come on top of Yara’s position as a major actor in the production and supply of urea and ammonia, the nitrogen based reagents for NOx reduction from diesel vehicles, industrial plants and ships.

 According to Senior Vice-President and Head of Yara’s Industrial Segment, Yves Bonte: “Our proven air pollution abatement solutions are a growing part of our business. This is a major milestone in Yara’s strategy to offer a total NOx emissions control package for industrial plants, ships and heavy-duty vehicles.”

Described as compact and fuel efficient, SCR systems are able to achieve more than a 90% reduction in NOx emissions with no increase in fuel consumption or reduction in engine performance – thereby providing a cost-effective compliance to emission requirements. NOx control requirements will, for example, come into force in a North American ECA from January 2016.

H+H designs and provides SCR exhaust gas treatment systems for nitrogen oxide emissions control from marine engines and stationary land engines. Founded in 1998, H+H is based in Hargesheim, Germany and currently has over 1200 installed SCR units around the world.