LONG BEACH – August 4, 2025 – In a significant breakthrough for maritime emissions control, STAX Engineering has secured a California Air Resources Board (CARB) Executive Order authorizing its fleet to service tanker vessels at berth—a major advancement in the state’s push to reduce port pollution and enforce clean air regulations. The authorization makes STAX the first emissions capture provider licensed to serve all major vessel classes, including the notoriously hard-to-decarbonize tanker segment.
Effective immediately, STAX can support compliance with CARB’s Ocean-Going Vessels (OGV) At Berth Regulation, which took effect for tankers at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach on January 1, 2025, and will extend to all California ports by 2027. STAX now operates the largest fleet of emissions control barges in the tanker market, with four units—STAX 1, 5, 7, and 8—approved in this inaugural executive order.
“Servicing tankers is a transformative moment for STAX and the industry,” said Mike Walker, CEO of STAX Engineering. “Our technology fills a long-standing gap by providing a safe, scalable solution that enables global tanker operators to comply with evolving emissions standards—while significantly improving port air quality.”
Tackling a Long-Standing Challenge in Tanker Emissions
Tanker vessels, which carry critical global commodities like crude oil, chemicals, and LNG, represent a $800+ billion industry. However, due to the volatile nature of their cargo, shore power (cold ironing)—a standard emissions-reduction solution for many vessels—has not been a viable option for tankers. This has left a compliance gap as California tightened emissions rules for at-berth operations.
STAX’s mobile, barge-based technology addresses this challenge head-on. Rather than requiring vessel retrofits or new electrical infrastructure at ports, the STAX system connects directly to a vessel’s auxiliary engine exhaust, capturing emissions at the source. It removes up to 99% of particulate matter (PM) and 95% of nitrogen oxides (NOx)—meeting CARB requirements without interfering with port logistics or ship schedules.
“At the cornerstone of our operation are three pillars of safety: protecting people, the environment, and cargo integrity,” noted Frank Strasheim, Director of HSQE at STAX. “Tankers pose unique risks, and our system is specifically engineered to manage those safely while delivering unmatched emissions control.”
Rapid Deployment, Seamless Integration for Tanker Terminals
The CARB certification is already translating into real-world impact. STAX has exclusive service agreements with multiple key tanker terminals, including:
- Olympus Terminals (Berth F209, Port of Long Beach)
- Shell’s Mormon Island Terminal (Port of Los Angeles)
- MOL Chemicals
These terminals are integrating STAX’s barge services to meet regulations without modifying vessels or interrupting operations—a critical consideration for cargo continuity and safety.
“Safety and operational reliability are non-negotiable in our industry, and STAX delivers on both fronts,” said Vince Godfrey, CEO of Olympus Terminals, a major petroleum and renewable fuel storage provider in Southern California. “They provide a plug-and-play solution that doesn’t disrupt our port calls but gets us to compliance immediately.”
Since early 2024, STAX has treated 1,192 vessels, clocking over 25,000 service hours and capturing 190 tons of pollutants—with nearly 1,000 hours already dedicated solely to tankers.
Building a Statewide and Global Presence
This milestone comes as STAX prepares for full deployment across all California ports by 2027. The company is scaling rapidly, with $70 million in new funding and a fleet expected to reach 27 barges to meet surging demand.
STAX currently operates in:
- Long Beach
- Los Angeles
- Port Hueneme
- Benicia
- Oakland
It is also the sole on-call emissions control provider for the Port of Los Angeles and serves clients including ZIM, Hyundai GLOVIS, and NYK.
Internationally, STAX is expanding its reach. In the United Kingdom, the company recently secured £1.1 million in funding from the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition to participate in PortZero, a collaborative decarbonization project with Seabound, Lomar Shipping, and Associated British Ports. STAX is also set to showcase its technology during London International Shipping Week this September.
A Proven Solution with Global Implications
STAX’s patented emissions capture system was designed from the ground up for real-world maritime challenges—particularly the complexities of servicing vessels that cannot use traditional shore power. Its modular, non-invasive design and flexible deployment model make it an ideal fit for busy ports worldwide.
“This isn’t just about meeting California’s rules,” said Walker. “It’s about leading a global shift in how we think about vessel emissions. STAX is showing that compliance, safety, and operational efficiency can go hand-in-hand.”
About STAX Engineering
STAX Engineering develops patented, barge-based emissions capture systems capable of serving vessels of all types—including tankers—without requiring ship modifications or port infrastructure upgrades. By capturing exhaust gases and filtering out 99% of PM and 95% of NOx, STAX is helping ports and shippers meet regulatory requirements while improving air quality. In 2024, STAX was named a Fast Company “Next Big Thing in Tech” winner for its leadership in sustainable maritime innovation.
Source STAX Engineering