The Pacific Jewel PASSING THE SMELL TEST

Posted on 05/27/2016 | About Australia

The Pacific Jewel was berthed at Australia’s Sydney Harbour in February where it is reported to have shown sulfur levels nearly three times the limit. The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) issued Carnival Cruise Line a $15,000 fine, which they are appealing, saying it took 20 days for the fuel samples to be analyzed.

The appeal is based on the cruise line’s allegation that the EPA failed to take into account available technical information that would have confirmed the ship had completed the changeover to low-sulphur fuel within the prescribed time period.

A statement by Carnival Australia said, “Pacific Jewel’s transfer to low sulfur fuel was conducted in compliance with the new regulatory regime for Sydney Harbour and the fuel transfer was fully documented on board the ship.” 

“The single fuel sample submitted to the EPA for testing did not properly reflect Pacific Jewel’s successful transition to low sulfur fuel on the day in question and this has resulted in a wrong outcome.” 

The EPA has issued three official warnings, but this is the first fine to be issued under the new regulations, which came into effect October 1, 2015. The regulations require cruise ships berthed in Sydney Harbour to use low sulfur fuel within one hour of berthing until one hour before departure. 

The Pacific Jewel belongs to Carnival’s P&O line.