EMEA News
Evergreen Marine Fined Over Greek Bunker Spill
Evergreen Marine has been fined £17,311 ($29,238) over an oil spill early last year, the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency reports,
Heavy fuel oil (HFO) spilled off Kalamata, Greece in January 2013 after the chief engineer of the UK-flagged Ever Sigma began transferring the oil without pre-heating it and without informing the vessels' master.
After the transfer, the ship's bosun noticed oil spilling onto the deck through an air pipe, and cleanup began, but some oil spilled into the ocean.
The Ever Sigma reported the incident to Italian authorities 27 hours after it occurred.
An investigation found that the pumping of cold HFO with two pumps over-pressurized the tank, forcing it through the airpipe, and that ship safety procedures were not followed.
"When carrying out routine internal transfers of fuel it is essential that ships follow procedures set in their safety management system – they have been put in place for a reason," said Jonathan Simpson, head of environmental policy at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
"Also, if a spill does occur, it should be reported promptly to the local authorities."
The decision comes as the UK's highest court is preparing for a hearing on 2008 oil spills in Nigeria by oil giant Shell, as the AFP news agency reports.
