The US Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $495,000 (£316,877) to fund projects that reduce diesel emissions from marine engines.

The funding, which will be shared by two companies – CLF Ventures and Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM) – is part of a national clean diesel competition.

Jasmine Tanguay of CLF Ventures, the non-profit consulting arm of the Conservation Law Foundation said: “This EPA funding will allow CLF Ventures to work with the Navigator’s owners to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in and around New Bedford harbour while lowering their fuel costs.”

NESCAUM has partnered with the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association to place cleaner engines in two large fishing boats.

The projects are expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to conserving more than 15,000 gallons of fuel every year, according to the EPA.