Vessel operators calling at ports in California must comply with stringent state-specific environmental regulations in addition to federal rules. According to Gard, state requirements can be more stringent than federal ones and carry different penalties.

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Preventing the spread of invasive species

The California Marine Invasive Species Program (MISP), administered by the State Lands Commission (SLC), applies to vessels of 300 gross registered tons or more capable of carrying ballast water. On 30 December 2025, the SLC issued reminders that an Annual Vessel Reporting Form (AVRF) must be submitted once per calendar year at least 24 hours before a vessel’s first California port arrival. A Ballast Water Management Report (BWMR) must also be submitted at least 24 hours prior to each California port call, including moves between state ports; for voyages under 24 hours, it must be submitted upon departure from the last port. While the U.S. Coast Guard report form must be used, a separate copy must go to the SLC.

An emergency rule, first adopted in June 2025 and recently readopted, requires vessels carrying ballast water sourced from low-salinity waters (below 18 ppt) to conduct a ballast water exchange prior to discharge in the San Francisco Bay area east of and including the Port of Rodeo, extending to Stockton and Sacramento. SLC staff inspect at least 25% of arriving vessels for compliance, and vessels must have management plans, record books, and reports for the past two years available onboard.

Reducing vessel emissions

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) enforces the state’s low sulphur fuel requirements, which overlap with the MARPOL North American Emission Control Area. Both limit fuel sulphur to 0.10%, but CARB’s Ocean-Going Vessel (OGV) Fuel Regulation additionally requires the use of low sulphur distillate fuels only, such as Marine Gas Oil or Marine Diesel Oil, and does not permit compliance via scrubbers. It only accepts natural gas, propane, ethanol, methanol, hydrogen, electricity, or fuel cells as alternative fuels; other alternatives like biofuels require pre-approval.

CARB’s OGV At-Berth Regulation requires all vessels to electronically report visit information within 30 days of departure. Currently, container, reefer, passenger, and ro/ro vessels calling at most terminals, and tankers at the Ports of Los Angeles or Long Beach, must use a CARB-approved Emission Control Strategy (CAECS), such as shore power, for the duration of each visit. From 1 January 2027, tankers calling at all remaining California ports except low-activity terminals will be subject to the same requirements. Bulk and general cargo vessels must comply with other obligations, including opacity limits and reporting. Operators must coordinate with terminal operators in writing at least seven days prior to arrival regarding CAECS needs.

Regulatory requirements may vary between ports, and proactive confirmation is advised to avoid delays or penalties. Vessels are advised to double-check with local agents or a Qualified Individual regarding changes. If uncertainties arise, operators should contact the local Gard correspondent at the relevant California port.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform