California issues emissions rules for vessels, terminal equipment
The California Air Resources Board last week approved pollution-reduction measures for forklifts and other cargo-handling equipment that operate in ports and rail yards, and for cargo and cruise ships operating in California waters.
The regulations require terminal operators to replace or retrofit existing engines with ones that use the best available emissions control technology in an effort to reduce emissions of particulate matter and nitrogen oxide by thousands of tons per year. On Jan. 1, 2007, newly purchased, leased or rented equipment must be low-emission models.
The CARB also adopted a regulation to reduce emissions of diesel particulate matter, nitrous oxide and sulfur oxides from auxiliary diesel engines and diesel-electric engines operated on ocean-going vessels. Auxiliary engines provide electric power that is used to provide lighting, cooling and onboard power for navigation equipment. Some vessels, principally cruise ships, also use these engines to run large electric motors that propel the vessel.
Reductions will be accomplished through the use of cleaner burning marine distillate fuels or equally effective emission controls. The regulation is expected to yield immediate emission reductions upon implementation in 2007. Specifically, for the nearly 75 percent of vessels now using heavy fuel oil in their auxiliary engines, compliance with this measure will result in an estimated 75 percent reduction in diesel particulate matter, 80 percent reduction in sulfur oxide, and 6 percent reduction in nitrogen oxide. Between 2007 and 2020, it is expected to reduce diesel particulate matter emissions by more than 23,000 tons, nitrogen oxide by 15,000 tons, and sulfur oxide by 200,000 tons.
The Pacific Merchant Shipping Association estimates the cost to comply with the vessel rules alone, assuming an average consumption of seven tons per day in auxiliary engines, would be between $1,750 and $2,730 per day while in California waters and ports.
The measures are the first of their kind in the nation.
“We recognize the economic importance of the goods movement industry to our state, but we must ensure that trade is conducted in a manner that protects public health,” said acting CARB Chairman Barbara Riordan.