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USCG Issues New Guidelines for Bunkering Vessels Using LNG and Alternative Marine Fuels

July 28, 2025

The U.S. Coast Guard Office of Operating and Environmental Standards (CG-OES) has released a new policy letter, CG-OES Policy Letter No. 01-25, which provides Captains of the Port (COTPs) updated guidelines for the bunkering of vessels using liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other alternative marine fuels. This policy letter, effective July 24, 2025, supersedes and cancels two previous policy letters, CG-OES 01-15 and 02-15, both dated February 19, 2015.

Linked Policy: OES Policy Letter 01-25

The new guidelines aim to address the rapid development and implementation of alternative marine fuels given the gaps in existing U.S. regulations, which are primarily focused on the bunkering of traditional petroleum-based fuels. This policy letter establishes a risk assessment model using current industry standards rather than prescriptive requirements and encourages collaboration with local Harbor Safety Committees to leverage local expertise to address hazards and identify risks.

For more detailed information, the policy letter is available electronically on the Commandant (CG-OES) website. Questions can be directed to the Coast Guard Office of Operating and Environmental Standards at Alt-Fuel-Bunkering@uscg.mil.

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This blog is not a replacement or substitute for the formal posting of regulations and updates or existing processes for receiving formal feedback of the same. Links provided on this blog will direct the reader to official publications, such as the Federal Register, Homeport and the Code of Federal Regulations. These publications remain the official source for regulatory information published by the Coast Guard.