HMM Ocean Service Co., Ltd. Settlement
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HMM Ocean Service Co., Ltd. Settles For $7,500
In April 2025, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) reached a settlement with HMM Ocean Service Co., Ltd., with its principal location in Korea, 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 an investigation conducted by CARB staff and HMM Ocean Service Co., Ltd., it was discovered that the HMM Ocean Service Co., Ltd. vessel, Ocean Draco, failed to operate on compliant fuel upon entry into Regulated California Waters in 2025. CARB alleged one day of violation for a penalty of $7,500, under Health and Safety Code section 39674. HMM Ocean Service Co., Ltd. took prompt action after being notified of the violation and, under CARB’s supervision, began operating in compliance.
To settle the case, HMM Ocean Service Co., Ltd. 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. HMM Ocean Service Co., Ltd. agreed to comply with CARB regulations going forward.