Understanding the California CORE Marine Program

The California Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE) is an innovative state program designed to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission off-road equipment, including commercial marine vessels, by making cleaner technologies more financially accessible for users. Here’s a breakdown of how the program operates for the marine sector, focusing on commercial harbor craft (CHC):

Program Objectives

· Lower the upfront cost of purchasing or leasing zero-emission, commercially ready marine equipment—including conversion kits for existing vessels—by providing vouchers directly at the point of sale.

·  Support entities transitioning beyond state regulatory minimum requirements to fully zero-emission vessels.

·  Facilitate cleaner air in California’s ports and waterways, reducing carbon and criteria emissions from traditional marine craft

Eligible Participants

·   Private, commercial, government, or military entities operating marine vessels subject to the California Commercial Harbor Craft Regulation (17 CCR 93118.5), such as:

o   Passenger ferries, excursion vessels, tugboats, towboats

o   Crew/work boats, pilot vessels, fishing vessels, barge and dredge vessels, etc.

·  Both new vessel purchasers and those seeking conversion kits for existing internal-combustion vessels can qualify.

How the Voucher Process Works

1. Equipment Application

·  Dealers/manufacturers submit an equipment eligibility application to CARB (California Air Resources Board) for each vessel model or conversion kit.

·  The vessel must be zero-emission (no onboard combustion emissions) and commercially ready (proven effective and reliable)

2. Approval & Listing

·  If approved, the vessel or conversion kit is added to the CORE Eligible Equipment Catalog, making it available for voucher applications.

3. Voucher Request

·  Purchasers select eligible equipment and submit a voucher request (via an approved dealer) through the online Voucher Processing Center.

·    Supporting documentation, like proof of funds, must be provided within 365 days of the request.

4. Voucher Issuance & Transaction

·  Once terms and conditions are met, and the voucher is approved, the funds are set aside and the purchaser completes the purchase.

·  The purchaser pays the sales price minus the voucher amount—the voucher can cover up to 100% of the equipment cost, depending on criteria such as business size, disadvantaged community status, and equipment type.

5. Delivery & Redemption

·   After equipment delivery, the dealer submits a redemption request; supporting documentation includes proof of payment and delivery.

·   CARB processes the request, and dealers are generally paid the voucher amount within 14 days of approval

Special Provisions

·  Small businesses and operators in disadvantaged communities may receive enhanced voucher amounts.

·   Supplemental support is available for shore-side charging or zero-emission bunkering equipment.

·  Periodic updates and compliance checks ensure continued program integrity.

The result: California’s CORE Marine Program directly reduces the upfront financial barrier for marine operators adopting zero-emission technologies, making the transition to cleaner waterways quicker and easier.