US EPA suggested to amend the national marine diesel engine program to provide relief provisions to address concerns regarding the finding and installing certified Tier 4 marine diesel engines in certain high-speed commercial vessels.
The proposed relief is in the form of additional lead time for qualifying engines and vessels. The proposal also contains waiver provisions to enable the continued installation of Tier 3 engines for certain ships if suitable Tier 4 engines continue to be unavailable.
We are also proposing adjustments to the requirements for certifying marine diesel engines, especially as it relates to demonstrating the durability of emission controls, to promote certification of engines with high power density
US EPA said.
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US EPA is also making a technical correction to the diesel fuel regulations to allow US fuel manufacturers and distributors to sell distillate diesel fuel that complies with the global sulphur standard that will be implemented internationally instead of the fuel standards that otherwise apply to distillate diesel fuel in the US.
A public hearing related to this proposal is currently planned for September 20, 2019.
What is more, effective from June 30, 2019, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stopped accepting Fuel Oil Non-Availability Reports (FONARs). Failure to make the notifications required by MARPOL Annex VI, 18.2.4 may result in a vessel control (e.g., detention) and/or enforcement action.
There is no specific format for the notification. However, based on the MARPOL Annex VI, Regulation 18.2.1, the ship owner or operator should be prepared to present a record of the actions taken to achieve compliance, including evidence that they tried to buy compliant fuel oil in accordance with the vessel’s voyage plan.
The US Coast Guard will investigate all reports of non-compliance with MARPOL Annex VI to conclude what actions may be warranted. Such actions may vary from completing the investigation with no follow-on action, detaining the vessel, and/or pursuing civil penalties. The US Coast Guard may also refer the matter to EPA.
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