Since 2009, as per the California Ocean-Going Vessel (OGV) Fuel Regulation, ships have been required to use less than 0.10% sulphur marine distillate grade fuel in main engines, diesel-electric engines, auxiliary engines, and auxiliary boilers. 

Members are informed that from 1 May 2021, CARB enforcement staff will begin further testing of fuel oil samples taken during the regular OGV fuels regulation inspections. This will involve the samples being tested to verify that it meets the distillate fuel grade. 

The additional sample analysis is based on CARB’s observation that a small percentage of ships that enter into Regulated California Waters are operating on contaminated fuels that may comply with the sulphur limit, but do not meet the specifications of a distillate grade fuel. By enforcing this new requirement, the CARB aims to: 

• Clearly identify non-compliant vessels that are operating on contaminated fuels that may meet the sulphur limit as perhaps a residual grade ultra-low sulphur fuel oil would, but do not meet the strict determination of a distillate grade fuel, as specified in the regulation; 


• Eliminate excess ash particulate emissions that affect disadvantaged communities in and around California ports; and 


• Create a more level playing field by identifying vessels that are not following established fuel changeover procedures to mitigate these excessive emissions. 

Further details on the new requirements and how shipowners and operators can comply can be found in the CARB Marine Notice 2020-2 attached at Annex.