Ocean-Going Vessels at Berth Regulation

The US California Air Resources Board (CARB) will expand a regulation on the use of shore power by ships while at berth to include auto carriers and tankers, two categories that produce 56% of all fine particulate pollution from ocean-going vessels at berth in California ports. Reporting for all vessels will begin January 1, 2023, regardless of whether a vessel or terminal has emissions control requirements. At present, the vessel types covered under the existing regulation include containerships, reefers and cruise ships. Auto carriers will need to comply starting in 2025. Tankers docking at the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach must also comply starting in 2025, while tankers in Northern California have until 2027.

How to mitigate

Retrofit your vessel to accommodate shore power. Check the Sustainable Ships shore power tool here or ask the helpdesk for help.


The US California Air Resources Board (CARB) will expand a regulation on the use of shore power by ships while at berth to include auto carriers and tankers, two categories that produce 56% of all fine particulate pollution from ocean-going vessels at berth in California ports. Reporting for all vessels will begin January 1, 2023, regardless of whether a vessel or terminal has emissions control requirements. At present, the vessel types covered under the existing regulation include containerships, reefers and cruise ships. Auto carriers will need to comply starting in 2025. Tankers docking at the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach must also comply starting in 2025, while tankers in Northern California have until 2027.

https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/ocean-going-vessels-berth-regulation

https://www.portseattle.org/blog/past-present-and-future-shore-power

https://www.epa.gov/ports-initiative/shore-power-technology-assessment-us-ports

https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/ports-logistics/california-expands-shore-power-requirements-more-vessel-types

Contact - Shorepower (Marine Strategies) - shorepower@arb.ca.gov


Frequently Asked Questions

  • The 2020 regulation took effect on January 1, 2021. However, emissions controls for the 2020 regulation will not phase in until January 1, 2023 for container and refrigerated cargo vessels. Reporting for all vessel types will begin on January 1, 2023 regardless of whether a vessel or terminal has emissions control requirements.

  • You are not allowed to use scrubbers for the Ocean-Going Vessels at Berth legislation. You must use shore power.


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