Americas News
P&I Club Issues Reminder on 2014 California Bunker Rules
New California rules require ships to use fuel with no more than 0.1 percent sulfur content starting January 1, 2014, the West of England P&I club notes in a reminder to members.
The new California Air Resources Board (CARB) Ocean Going Vessels (OGV) Fuel Rule Phase II replaces existing limits of 1.0 percent sulfur content for marine gas oil (MGO) and 0.5 percent for marine diesel oil (MDO).
The club calls for ship operators to review guidance from CARB to ensure that their vessels comply with the new rules.
MARPOL Annex VI North American Emission Control Area (ECA) also applies to the U.S. West Coast state's waters, which means ships must make sure they are following both sets of rules.
CARB announced in August that it had fined three international shipping companies for violations of the existing fuel rules.
