The Singapore affiliate of Zeaborn Ship Management has been told to pay $2m in penalties after discarding oily bilge water into the ocean off the coast of California.
Zeaborn admitted to dumping more than 7,500 gallons of bilge water from its vessel – called the Star Maia – at least four times between June and October 2022.
The company also admitted to burning trash in barrels on Star Maia’s deck, including paper, plastics and oily rags, and dumping the barrels into the ocean. Zeaborn did not record the burning or disposal in the vessel’s garbage record book, which is legally required.
“Unlawful oil discharges can cause significant harm to the marine environment,” said acting US attorney Andrew Haden for the Southern District of California. “We will continue to safeguard our oceans by vigorous enforcement of environmental laws. Today’s case is a reflection of that commitment.”
“The crewmembers responsible for these violations acted without the company’s knowledge or consent, in direct contravention of the company’s policies and procedures and will be subjected to appropriate measures, as per their national manpower regulations,” a statement issued by Zeabron stated, adding: “In addition to strengthening its environmental management systems, the company affirms that its crews have received additional training, instruction and monitoring to ensure that an incident of this nature does not happen again.”
