Omnitek Engineering has been selected by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency for a pilot project to demonstrate its diesel-to-natural gas engine conversion technology for drayage trucks serving the Port of Seattle, Wash., in support of the Port's Clean Truck Program.

The project has a goal of meeting 2007 EPA emission standards for particulate emissions by 2017 for all drayage trucks serving the Port's marine container terminals, estimated at more than 2,000 vehicles.

The company's diesel-to-natural gas engine conversion system was selected as the best technology under a competitive grant process for the agency's "Piloting Engine Upgrade Technologies in the Freight Mobility Sector" project. Omnitek's technology reduces particulate emissions as well as nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide. The pilot project led by Omnitek Engineering includes American Strategic Group, trucking fleets and related service providers.

Omnitek's domestic diesel-to-natural-gas conversion business is ramping up since the company's recent EPA approval of its technology for the widely operated line of heavy-duty Navistar DT466E and DT530E engines.

"Seattle has already converted its refuse trucks and airport taxis to CNG, so extending the environmental and economic benefits of natural gas to the Port of Seattle drayage fleet is an innovative approach to keeping the Port of Seattle competitive in the post-Panamax era of ocean shipping. We think the ability to convert existing assets is crucial for CNG infrastructure development in the United States," said Stephen Lambo, president of American Strategic Group.

American Strategic Group is developing a regional network of CNG refueling facilities optimized to meet the needs of heavy-duty truck fleets. ASG will also provide financial support for fleets and owner-operators to make the transition from diesel to natural gas.