California Set To Expand At-Berth Rules

California is in the final stages of adopting the latest regulation to impose its own air quality rules upon ocean-going vessels calling in the state. On Aug. 27, 2020, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved the Control Measure for Ocean-Going Vessels At Berth. This rule requires almost all container, reefer, cruise, ro-ro and tanker vessels visiting larger marine terminals in California to use a CARB-approved emissions control strategy that achieves at least an 80 percent reduction in auxiliary engine emissions during a visit at berth. Most vessels will have to use shore power, although alternatives, such as an emissions capture and control system or another onboard emissions control strategy, could be available. The regulation, which supersedes and significantly expands an existing 2007 rule, is awaiting submission to the Office of Administrative Law and final approval. It is currently planned to be implemented in January 2021.