On 10 April 2024, the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Design and Engineering Standards (CG-ENG) published Policy Letter 01-24, Guidance Regarding Devices that Alter Maneuvering Characteristics of Ships to Ensure Safe Operation in Waters of the United States.
EPLs and SHaPoLis are just two examples of devices and programs employed on ships to comply with the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index as required in MARPOL Annex VI. These devices pose little risk on the open ocean but have the potential to create safety and navigation risks when operating in restricted waters, including harbors and rivers.
Several Coast Guard Sectors across the nation have issued Marine Safety Information Bulletins regarding the use of power-limiting devices in restricted waters. Additionally, harbor pilots have expressed concerns that ship operators are not fully disclosing the properties of the EPLs and SHaPoLis. This Policy Letter provides further guidance and clarification on the intended use of the devices, when they may need to be disengaged, and provides an assessment framework to facilitate safe navigation in restricted U.S. waterways.
The full text of the policy letter can be found on CG-ENG’s policy website: CG-ENG Policy (uscg.mil)
Any questions or feedback related to this Policy Letter should be directed to CG-ENG at CGENG@uscg.mil.