According to gCaptain, Avin International Ltd. and Kriti Ruby Special Maritime Enterprises pleaded guilty to violations that occurred in 2022.
The companies were found guilty of breaching the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS) when their vessel, the Kriti Ruby, discharged oily waste into the sea during port visits to Jacksonville, Florida, and Newark, New Jersey.
As a result, the companies were fined a total of $4.5 million, which included a $3.375 million criminal fine and $1.125 million in community service payments to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Chief Engineer Konstantinos Atsalis and Second Engineer Sonny Bosito also pleaded guilty to APPS violations in May. gCaptain reported that both received time served, and Atsalis was also fined an additional $5,000.