Wan Hai Fined for Unchecked Emissions in Port of California

Posted in Ports by Raghib Raza on Mar 08, 2022 at 08:07.

The Taiwanese shipping company Wan Hai Lines has agreed to pay a sum of $680,750 for violations of the strict emission standards that are in place for ships at berth in America.

The violations were found during a routine audit of ships visiting Californian ports in 2020, conducted by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), Enforcement Division.

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The "Ocean Going Vessels at berth" regulation was violated. This regulation intends to reduce the emission of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides from ship engines while docking at Californian ports. Wan Hai failed to reduce the engine power generation of its fleet while berthed by 80% at the minimum.

It also was unable to meet the three-hour operational limit for berthed vessels. A vessel's engines may remain operational in port for no more than 3 hours, and this is to be replicated in 80% of the fleet owned by the company.

This regulation was adopted in 2007 and affects passenger ships, container ships, and refrigerated cargo ships at six Californian ports, including Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego, Oakland, Hueneme, and San Francisco.

The fines paid by Wan Hai will be used to install air filtration systems in schools of Oakland, California, and an early education center in Los Angeles.