San Francisco COTP issues letter on fuel switching leading to problems

Since the implementation of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations, which require ocean-going vessels to switch to low-sulphur marine distillate fuels when calling at California's ports, the Captain of the Port (COTP) in Sector San Francisco has experienced an increase in the number of vessels experiencing propulsion losses and fuel-related equipment failures.

The majority of these incidents have occurred during slow speed manoeuvring and each one is seen as a potential catastrophe.
To mitigate this problem in the San Francisco area, the Sector San Francisco COTP has issued a letter (click here to view) and asked that it be forwarded to all vessel operators with vessels operating in the San Francisco area.

The letter urges vessel operators to take proactive measures to prevent propulsion losses and equipment failures and advises that vessels experiencing, "one or more engine performance issues...will likely receive COTP orders requiring tug escorts until they can demonstrate their issues have been resolved".

Source: Baird Maritime