SMTECH Ship Management Co., Ltd. Settlement
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SMTECH Ship Management Co., Ltd. Settles For $28,000
In June 2024, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) reached a settlement with SMTECH Ship Management Co., Ltd. (SMT), with its principal location in South 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 investigation conducted by SMT and CARB staff, it was revealed that the SMT vessel, Puplinge, failed to operate on compliant fuel upon entry into Regulated California Waters in 2023. CARB alleged four days of violation for a penalty of $28,000, under Health and Safety Code section 39674. SMT took prompt action after being notified of these violations and, under CARB’s supervision, began operating in compliance.
To settle the case, SMT 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. SMT agreed to comply with CARB regulations going forward.