Two Greek shipping companies have confessed to polluting waters near U.S. ports, resulting in hefty fines. Avin International Ltd. and Kriti Ruby Special Maritime Enterprises admitted to illegally transporting and discharging oily bilge water from the tanker Kriti Ruby, as stated by the U.S. Justice Department. The companies face a $3.3 million fine and an additional $1 million community service contribution to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. They are also placed on a five-year probation period with mandated adherence to environmental compliance measures.
These infractions, which involved falsifying records given to the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) at locations in Jacksonville, Florida, and Newark, New Jersey, occurred in 2002. Konstantinos Atsalis, the chief engineer at the time, was sentenced to time served and fined $5,000 for his involvement in the incident. Additionally, second engineer Sonny Bosito received a sentence of time served.
According to court documents, the crew bypassed required pollution prevention measures, discharging oily waste through the ship's sewage system without documenting these actions in the oil record book. To conceal their activities, they allegedly hid equipment in a space known as a "cofferdam."
The USCG's Investigative Service conducted the investigation. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger highlighted the detrimental impact of maritime pollution and the difficulties in detection when offenders deliberately engage in deceptive practices. He stressed the necessity of complying with maritime laws to protect marine environments and assured ongoing efforts to ensure compliance and punish violators.