Truck drivers have seen smog from oceanliners billowing above ports at left and right coasts for years, and wondered why environmental agencies like the California Air Resources Board haven’t seemed to punish these ships as often as trucks.
In reality, CARB does fine shipping lines for breaking emission rules.
CARB announced it has fined three European-based shippers a total of $161,000 for using bunker fuel while in regulated California waters.
Ships are required by a 2008 regulation to switch engines to cleaner, low-sulfur diesel while in the state-regulated waters within 24 miles of shore.