Curtas do Bryant´s

EPA & USCG – Royal Caribbean pollution control agreement

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a news release [located at http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/d0cf6618525a9efb85257359003fb69d/140e20804c87970f85257db70065f822!OpenDocument ] stating that the agreement involving it, the US Coast Guard, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines has been extended and expanded. The agreement allows the cruise line to continue its research program to develop and install exhaust gas scrubber systems on its ships and expands the program from six ships to 19 ships. (12/23/14).

California – ocean-going vessel fuel regulation

As a reminder to owners, operators, and masters of ships calling in California, I am republishing a notice from the California Air Resources Board (ARB) regarding compliance with the California Ocean-Going Vessel Fuel Regulation during the ARB sunset review process. There are technical differences between the California requirements and the requirements of the lower sulfur limits of the North American ECA which come into effect on 1 January 2015. Until such time as the ARB regulation is formerly repealed, it will continue to be enforced. As explained in the notice, vessel operators may request authorization for an alternative compliance exemption. Marine Notice 2014-1 [located at http://www.arb.ca.gov/ports/marinevess/documents/marinenote_2014_1.pdf ] (August 2014).

UK – investigation of fishing vessel-chemical tanker collision

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) issued a notice [located at http://www.maib.gov.uk/latest_news/margriet_orakai___new_investigation.cfm ] stating that it has commenced an investigation into the collision in the North Sea between a fishing vessel and the chemical tanker Orakai. There were no injuries, but both vessels sustained damage and some of the fishing vessel's fuel oil entered the water. (12/23/14). Fonte: Dennis Bryant.