California Air Resources Board

Santoku Senpaku Co., Ltd. Settles For $19,500

In November 2023, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) reached a settlement with Santoku Senpaku Co., Ltd. (SSC), 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 SSC and CARB staff, it was revealed that the SSC vessel, Sea Smile, failed to operate on compliant fuel upon entry into Regulated California Waters in 2023. CARB alleged three days of violation for a penalty of $19,500 under Health and Safety Code section 39674. SSC took prompt action after being notified of these violations and, under CARB’s supervision, began operating in compliance.

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

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