California Plans Regarding Fuel Sulfur

The proposal, with some minor modifications from its earlier version, will be circulated soon for comments. The final regulation will come into effect 30 days after publication. The regulation would apply to oceangoing ships operating within 24 miles of the coast. The “Phase I” fuel requirement specifies use of marine gas oil up to 1.5% sulfur or marine diesel up to 0.5% sulfur. The Phase I requirement would apply to main engines and auxiliary boilers as of July 1, 2009 and to auxiliary engines (including all diesel-electric engines) as of the effective date of the regulation.

(Source: Holland & Knight)