California Air Resources Board 2014 Amendments to the Ocean Going Vessels Fuel Rule

Members are reminded that from 1 January 2014 the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Ocean Going Vessels (OGV) Fuel Rule Phase II fuel requirements will enter in to force.  The maximum permitted sulphur content of Marine Gas Oil - MGO (DMA) and Marine Diesel Oil - MDO (DMB) used by ocean going vessels within Californian waters will reduce from 1.0% and 0.5% sulphur respectively to a maximum of 0.1% sulphur for both fuel types.

Members are advised to review the guidance contained in CARB Marine Notice 2013-1 and ensure their vessels comply with the updated distillate fuel oil sulphur limits from 1 January 2014 when within Californian waters. Further details of the requirements of the CARB OGV Fuel Rule can be found in the following news articles:

• USA – California Air Resources Board Amendments to the Ocean Going Vessels Fuel Rule
• USA – California Air Resources Board Amendments to the Ocean Going Vessels Fuel Rule - Update

Vessels complying with the CARB OGV Fuel Rule must also adhere to the maximum fuel oil sulphur requirements of the MARPOL Annex VI North American Emission Control Area as both sets of regulations apply. Details can be found in the Club’s news article: MARPOL – North American Emission Control Area.

Members requiring any further guidance should contact the Loss Prevention Department.