The New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has fined Carnival PLC $15,000 after one of P&O Australia’s cruise ships, the 70,310gt/1990 built Pacific Jewel (above), breached new low sulphur fuel regulations in Sydney Harbour. A fuel sample taken by the ship’s crew and provided to EPA officers while the ship was berthed at the White Bay Cruise Terminal on 26th February 2016 had a sulphur level of 0.293%, nearly three times the 0.1% limit. The fine is the first to be issued under the new regulations which came into force from 1st October 2015. The regulations require cruise ships berthed in Sydney Harbour to use low sulphur fuel within one hour of berthing until one hour before departure. The EPA had also issued an official caution to the ship’s master with the EPA taking a further three samples from the Pacific Jewel since 26th February with all being in compliance. Since 1st October 2015 the EPA has inspected over 140 cruise ships, taken 78 fuel samples from engine fuel lines, inspected log books and changeover records, and also observed funnel emissions.