Americas News
U.S. Fines Two Greek Companies $1.3 Million in Vessel Pollution Case
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Washington Monday announced that two companies that own and operate a Greek shipping vessel have been sentenced to pay a $1.3 million fine, as well as a $200,000 community service payment, for the dumping of oily waste at sea.
As Ship & Bunker reported in June, the U.S. District Court in Seattle found ship operator Angelakos Hellas S.A., ship owner, Gallia Graeca Shipping LTD, chief engineer, Konstantinos Chrysovergis, and second engineer, Tryfon Angelou guilty on 12 felony counts related to the falsification of vessel logs and dumping of oily waste at sea from bulk carrier Gallia Graeca.
Chrysovergis and Angelou are said to have been sentenced to short prison terms prior to returning to Greece.
In addition to the fine and community service payment, the companies have been placed on a five year term of probation, and will be required to implement environmental compliance plans to ensure they adhere to anti-pollution policies and regulations
"These companies promoted a culture of lies and lawlessness that left a trail of pollution in the Pacific Ocean," said U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes, adding: "knowing that the Coast Guard was going to do an inspection of their shipping vessel, corporate managers allowed the Chief Engineer to present falsified documents."
"The significant fines imposed in this case send a clear message that those who spoil our environment by putting their business interests ahead of our laws will be held responsible."
The $200,000 community service payment will be shared between the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the National Parks Foundation in order to fund marine restoration and preservation projects in the Pacific Ocean,where the pollution in the case occurred.
In August, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Hawaii announced that South Korean bunker tanker owner Doorae Shipping Co., LTD (Doorae Shipping) had been fined $275,000, and given a three year term of probation for failing to maintain an accurate oil record book in relation to the operation of tanker B. Pacific.
