Kirby Inland Marine agrees to $4.9m penalty over 2014 Houston Ship Channel spill

Houston-based Kirby Inland Marine, which operates the US’ largest fleet of inland tank barges and towing vessels, on Tuesday agreed to pay a $4.9m civil settlement relating to a March 2014 oil spill in the Houston Ship Channel.

The settlement was announced by the US Department of Justice and also comes with an agreement by Kirby Inland Marine to implement operating remedies on the hundreds of vessels in its fleet.

Such remedies will include installing enhanced navigational equipment, improving employee training in navigational skills and improving operational practices.

The 4,000-barrel spill occurred when the Kirby tow boat Miss Susan was pushing two 300-foot barges, the first of which collided with the bulk cargo ship Summer Wind (43,176 dwt, built 1995), causing the heavy marine fuel oil to spill from the barge.

Tuesday’s penalties fall under the Clean Water Act.

Kirby Inland Marine is a subsidiary of Kirby Corporation.