On April 6th, satellite-image-monitoring-environmental group SkyTruth identified a 92-mile slick off Congo and Angola captured in the above photo that was likely the result of a discharge of oily bilge water from a ship. Now, after a thorough investigation worthy of it's own CSI episode to find the perp, SkyTruth believes it has identified just who is responsible for the … [Read more...]
U.S. Charges New Zealand Fishing Company Alleging Environmental Crimes and Obstruction of Justice
A New Zealand fishing company has been charged by the U.S. Department of Justice for violating environmental laws and obstruction of justice. The case is the latest in a crackdown by the USCG targeting foreign vessels violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships law. The seven-count indictment was handed down Tuesday to Sanford Ltd., a New Zealand based company that … [Read more...]
Puerto Rican shipping company fined in pollution cover-up case
Puerto Rican-based Epps Shipping Company was sentenced today in federal court to pay a $700,000 fine for violation of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships and making false statements to U.S. Coast Guard inspectors. The sentencing is in connection to the Epps owned and operated M/V Carib Vision, a commercial ship that was engaged in the transportation of molasses … [Read more...]
Greek ship operator pleads guilty in Texas spill case
Company Has Agreed to Pay $900,000 Monetary Penalty (WASHINGTON) -- A ship management company headquartered in Greece that operated a 29,414 - ton cargo ship that made calls in multiple ports in Texas pleaded guilty and was sentenced late yesterday in federal court in Corpus Christi for deliberately concealing pollution discharges from the ship directly into the sea … [Read more...]
Nautical Institute on MARPOL Prevention
We rarely reproduce press releases... but it's Sunday and not your usual release. Seaways, the Nautical Institute's monthly magazine, has a story this month on ideas to prevent oil discharges aboard ships. They point some fingers and expose some truths while, in some mariner's opinions, over analyzing others. Here's the summary; The NI has identified a number of potential … [Read more...]