California Ports Implement Stricter Emission Controls for Ships Starting 2025
Since 2014, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has been at the forefront of regulating emissions from various types of vessels, including container ships, refrigerated cargo (reefer) vessels, and passenger ships that dock at designated ports in California. Building on the success of these regulations, CARB introduced the '2020 At Berth Regulation,' which came into effect on January 1, 2021, to further mitigate air pollution from commercial shipping activities.
This updated regulation not only continues to address emissions from container, reefer, and passenger vessels but also expands its scope to include additional pollutants and a wider range of vessel types. The regulation mandates that emission control measures be tailored to each port based on its annual vessel traffic. Starting January 1, 2025, roll-on/roll-off (ro/ro) vessels and tankers calling at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will also be subject to these stringent emission controls.
Key points of the 2020 At Berth Regulation include:
All vessels docking at California ports must adhere to the requirements set forth in the 2020 At Berth Regulation.
Emission control mandates apply specifically to container, reefer, passenger, ro/ro, and tanker vessels. Other vessel types, such as bulk and general cargo ships, are required to comply with different obligations under the regulation, including smoke opacity standards and visit reporting.
Terminals with low vessel traffic are exempt from these emission control requirements. However, if a low-activity terminal experiences 20 or more visits from regulated vessels over two consecutive years, it will lose its exemption status, and emission reductions will be required starting January 1 of the following year.
Vessels that fall under the emission control requirements must implement a ‘CARB Approved Emission Control Strategy’ (CAECS) during their port visit. Currently, compliance is expected to be achieved through the use of shore power and emissions capture systems. Vessels wishing to utilize alternative compliance strategies, such as battery power or alternative fuels, must seek CARB approval for their proposed CAECS.
Vessel operators are required to notify terminal operators in writing at least seven days prior to arrival to facilitate the coordination of shore power and other CAECS requirements. While resources like ABS' guide to terminal-supplied CAECS can assist in planning, it is advisable to confirm the availability of CAECS with local agents for the specific port and anticipated visit duration.
Images showcasing a CARB-Approved Emissions Control Strategy (CAECS) in operation - courtesy of STAX.
Given the potentially extensive and costly procedures and equipment needed for ro/ro and tanker vessels to comply with CARB’s emission control mandates, it is crucial for ship operators engaging with California ports to thoroughly understand the 2020 At Berth Regulation and the currently approved control strategies. Proactive preparation for timely compliance is essential, and the following information sources are recommended: