California Air Resources Board

Phoenix Maritime Co., Ltd. Settles for $7,000

In October 2025, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) reached a settlement with Phoenix Maritime Co., Ltd. (PCL), with its principal location in Japan, for the company’s violation of the Fuel Sulfur and Other Operational Requirements for Ocean-Going Vessels Within California Waters and 24 Nautical Miles of the California Baseline (Ocean-Going Vessel Fuel Regulation), as codified in the California Code of Regulations, title 13, section 2299.2, and title 17, section 93118.2.

Following a routine inspection and investigation conducted by PCL and CARB staff, it was revealed that the PCL vessel, Owusu Maru, failed to operate on compliant fuel upon entry into Regulated California Waters in 2024. CARB alleged one vessel in violation for a penalty of $7,000, under Health and Safety Code section 39674. PCL took prompt action after being notified of these violations and, under CARB’s supervision, began operating in compliance.

To settle the case, PCL agreed to the total penalty amount for the violation. This amount will be deposited into CARB’s Air Pollution Control Fund, which provides funding for projects and research to improve California's air quality. PCL agreed to comply with CARB regulations going forward.

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