Freeport

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<span-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#3390FF">USCG, EPA to conduct joint boardings<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">

<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">The US Coast Guard (USCG) has confirmed plans to co-ordinate with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on enforcement of new fuel rules.

The requirement that vessels use 0.1% sulphur fuel with 370km of US and Canadian shores begins 1 January 2015, as does the same sulphur limit for fuel used within 93km of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. For operators who have not received waivers from the EPA and who do not have scrubbers installed, concerns have arisen about the price and availability of 0.1% sulphur fuel.

In a joint statement on 18 November, the USCG and EPA asserted that they “will soon take action to ensure compliance” with the rule.

“We will be coordinated in our efforts,” said USCG Rear Admiral Paul Thomas, assistant commandant for prevention policy. “That includes working with EPA to actively check for compliance and taking appropriate enforcement action.”

The USCG will continue its checks on bunker delivery notes during its port state and flag state inspections. In addition, the USCG and EPA “are developing plans for joint boardings of vessels that will include fuel-oil sampling and in-the-field screening for sulphur levels”.

“We’re stepping up our compliance efforts and will take targeted enforcement actions when necessary,” said EPA assistant administrator for enforcement and compliance assurance Cynthia Giles. “Making sure everyone plays by the rules will help level the playing field for companies that comply.”

 

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<span-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">If you have any questions regarding the new fuel rules, please do not hesitate to call of email me.

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<span-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">Sincerely,

<span-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F497D"> 

<span-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">Bob Lain

<span-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">Vessel Manager / Director Port Information & Port Affairs

<span-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">Moran-Gulf Shipping Agencies

<span-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">16651 Ronan Road

<span-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">Houston, TX 77060

<span-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F497D">Tel: 281-582-9200 Fax: 281-582-9222 Mbl: 281-924-2146

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