California Air Resources Board

“K” Line RoRo Bulk Ship Management Co., Ltd. Settles For $10,058

In September 2026, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) reached a settlement with “K” Line RoRo Bulk Ship Management Co., Ltd. (KRBS), with its principal location in Japan, for the company’s violation of the vessel opacity requirements of the Control Measure for Ocean-Going Vessels At Berth (At Berth Regulation), as codified in the California Code of Regulations, title 17, sections 93130–93130.22.

Following a routine inspection and investigation conducted by CARB staff and KRBS staff, it was revealed that the KRBS vessel, Athens Highway, operated at an opacity greater than Ringelmann 2 for more than three minutes in one hour, while conducting cargo operations at berth in June 2026. CARB alleged one violation for a penalty of $10,058, under Health and Safety Code section 43016. KRBS took prompt action after being notified of this violation, rectified the issue, and immediately began operating in compliance.

To settle the case, KRBS 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. KRBS agreed to comply with CARB regulations going forward.

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