Tenneco's High-Stakes Bet on China's Greener Maritime Future

SHANGHAI, China – December 02, 2025 – The sprawling halls of the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, buzzing with the energy of Marintec China 2025, are more than just a showcase for the maritime industry; they represent the epicenter of a global transformation. Here, industrial giant Tenneco is unveiling a suite of advanced technologies, a move that is less a simple product launch and more a calculated strategic play at the confluence of two powerful currents: China's undisputed dominance in shipbuilding and the world's non-negotiable mandate for a greener shipping future.

While exhibitors display everything from massive propellers to advanced navigation software, Tenneco's booth is a microcosm of the challenges facing every ship owner and operator today. The company is presenting an arsenal of engineered solutions—from powertrain components to exhaust aftertreatment systems—designed not only to meet tightening regulations but also to deliver a compelling return on investment through enhanced efficiency and radically reduced maintenance. This is a direct appeal to an industry navigating the treacherous waters between regulatory compliance and economic viability.

The Dual Pressures of Growth and Green Mandates

The strategic importance of Tenneco’s focus on China cannot be overstated. The claim of “unprecedented growth opportunities,” as stated by Sean Li, President of Tenneco Asia Pacific, is firmly rooted in staggering economic data. China's marine economy surpassed 10 trillion yuan in 2024, and for 15 consecutive years, the nation has led the world in shipbuilding completions, new orders, and order backlogs. In the first half of 2025 alone, China secured over 68% of all new global ship orders, with a significant portion being high-tech, green-powered vessels. This isn't just growth; it's a structural shift, with China poised to build the next generation of the world's fleet.

This boom is occurring under the shadow of a stringent global regulatory regime. The International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Tier III standards and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Tier 4 rules demand drastic reductions in nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). Beyond these, the industry faces the looming 2050 net-zero decarbonization targets, pushing for fundamental changes in vessel efficiency. For ship operators, compliance is a complex and costly endeavor, often requiring significant capital investment in technologies like Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF).

It is precisely this intersection of opportunity and obligation that defines Tenneco's strategy. “China is a crucial market for the global shipping industry, and we are continuously increasing our local investment,” noted Michael Bugbee, vice president and general manager of Tenneco’s global Industrial business. By embedding its advanced, environmentally-focused technologies within the world’s most prolific shipbuilding ecosystem, the company is positioning itself as a critical enabler of the industry's green transition.

Engineering a More Efficient Engine Room

The foundation of Tenneco's value proposition lies deep within the engine room, where small component innovations can yield significant operational gains. The company's large bore powertrain solutions are engineered to enhance efficiency at the source, reducing fuel consumption and wear long before the exhaust gases require treatment.

A key highlight is the suite of advanced piston rings. The DAROS® 2-stroke rings feature a metal-ceramic coating with self-healing properties, dramatically improving scuff resistance and extending service life. For 4-stroke engines, the GOETZE® rings with CKS® ceramic composite coating are claimed to reduce wear by over 30%. Perhaps most impactful is the proprietary LKZ® oil control ring, which promises to cut oil consumption by up to 50%. This not only lowers lubricant costs but also reduces particulate emissions resulting from oil burn-off, contributing to cleaner combustion.

This focus on longevity and durability extends to the valve components. Engineered for the extreme heat and pressure of marine engines, Tenneco's nitrided valves and high-density powder metallurgy valve seats boast a 75% improvement in wear resistance. This translates to over 20,000 hours of reliable service, a figure that directly impacts a vessel's most significant expense: downtime. By dramatically reducing the frequency of dry-docking for major engine overhauls, such components offer a powerful financial incentive.

Further enhancing efficiency, the Champion® industrial iridium spark plugs are custom-designed for marine gas and dual-fuel engines. With a stated lifespan of 10,000 hours, they increase ignition energy by 25%. This leads to more complete and stable combustion, boosting vessel fuel efficiency by a claimed 3–5%. For a large container ship or LNG carrier, a 3% fuel saving can amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, representing a direct reduction in both operating costs and CO2 emissions.

The Unseen Systems Driving Uptime and Compliance

Beyond the core engine, Tenneco is showcasing critical supporting technologies that address the twin goals of maintenance reduction and regulatory adherence. The DEVA® line of self-lubricating bearings represents a fundamental shift away from traditional, maintenance-intensive systems.

In the harsh, corrosive marine environment, these maintenance-free bearings eliminate the need for regular greasing, reducing labor costs, lubricant expenses, and the risk of environmental contamination from grease leakage. The highlight is an ultra-large DEVA glide spherical bearing, with a diameter exceeding one meter, designed for demanding offshore and hydraulic projects. By embedding solid lubricants into a highly wear-resistant copper alloy, these bearings promise a service life several times longer than conventional bearings. Tenneco's claim of a more than 70% reduction in operating and maintenance costs is a compelling argument for ship owners focused on total cost of ownership and maximizing vessel availability.

Finally, the company's advanced aftertreatment solutions tackle emissions head-on. The comprehensive system, incorporating both SCR and DPF technologies, is engineered to meet the world’s strictest standards. The design features a more powerful and compact mixer module that achieves a uniformity index above 0.95—a technical specification indicating highly efficient mixing of urea with the exhaust stream. This ensures an optimal chemical reaction to neutralize NOx, providing reliable compliance without compromising engine backpressure or performance. The integrated and flexible platform is designed for easy adaptation across various vessel types, offering a turnkey solution for operators navigating a complex global patchwork of environmental regulations.