California OGV Fuel Regulation

The California OGV Fuel Regulation requires the use of distillate grade marine fuels (marine gas oil (DMA / DMX) or marine diesel oil (DMB)) with a maximum sulphur level of 0.1% while operating main engines, diesel-electric engines, auxiliary engines, and auxiliary boilers on OGVs within Regulated California Waters (24 nautical miles of the California baseline). The purpose of this further analysis of the fuel is to determine whether fuel in use meets the requirements of distillate marine grade fuels. Specifically, CARB will test for Micro Carbon Residue, using the ISO test method 10370.

Read CARB Marine Notice 2020-2 here.

23 May 2019

USA: California OGV Fuel Regulation

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has issued an advisory (Marine Notice 2016-1), which states that the California Ocean-Going Fuel Regulation will remain in effect for at least another two years. It will be re-evaluated in two years’ time.

Please click here to read the full notice.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has issued guidance to owners and operators on changes to the Ocean Going Vessels (OGV) Fuel Regulation which limits fuel sulphur content and enters into force on 1 January 2014.

The Phase II amendments to the OGV fuel requirements limit the sulphur content in both marine gas oil (DMA) and marine diesel oil (DMB) to a maximum of 0.1% and will be enforced within the California OGV regulatory zone which extends 24 nm from the Californian coast.

Vessels complying with the CARB OGV regulations must also comply with the requirements of the MARPOL Annex VI North American ECA regulations which remain in force.

A copy of the CARB Marine Notice 2013-1 can be read here.