The latest version of the At Berth regulation builds on progress achieved by what was then the groundbreaking (ocean filling?) At-Berth Regulation adopted in 2007. As of 2020, the 2007 rule had achieved an 80% reduction in harmful emissions from more than 13,000 vessel visits since 2014.

Vessels covered under the original regulation include container ships, “reefers” (carrying refrigerated cargo), and cruise ships. Once the new regulation is fully implemented, it will deliver a 90% reduction in pollution from vessels at berth. This includes an expected additional 2300 vessel visits per year and will result in a 55% reduction in potential cancer risk for communities near the Ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Richmond, according to CARB.

The new regulation requires that vessels coming into a regulated California port either use shore power (e.g., plug in to the local electrical grid) or a CARB-approved control technology to reduce harmful emissions such as a capture-and-control technology (a duct that connects to a vessel).