AmericasContainersEnvironmentEurope

MSC pays emissions fine in California

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has been forced to pay $630,625 in penalties to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for violating the Ocean-Going Vessel At-Berth regulation.

The violations were discovered during a routine audit of the company’s 2014 visits to the Port of Oakland and the twin ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The investigation by CARB revealed more than 2,500 violations for both the Oakland and LA/LB fleets for failing to reduce auxiliary engine power generation by at least 50% and for exceeding limits for auxiliary engine run time as required by the at-berth regulation.

“Ocean-going vessels are significant contributors to air pollution,” said CARB enforcement division chief Todd Sax. “Even in port, their auxiliary engines generate toxic diesel particulate pollution that impacts not only port-adjacent communities, but also entire inland regions. This regulation helps to protect all Californians and is necessary to ensure we meet our clean air goals.”

A spokesperson from MSC’s headquarters in Geneva told Splash today: “MSC has made the necessary investments in its fleet to ensure vessels are shore power-equipped and fully compliant with CARB’s requirements. Since 2014, MSC has not incurred any violations of the regulation.”

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.
Back to top button