Zeaborn Ship Management Fined $2 Million for MARPOL Violations After Crew Exposes Illegal Dumping

Zeaborn Ship Management has pleaded guilty to felony charges related to illegally dumping oily bilge water and falsifying official records. The company will pay a $2 million penalty, including a $1.5 million fine and a $500,000 community service payment, and will be subject to four years of probation with enhanced environmental compliance oversight.

Key Takeaways

• Zeaborn Ship Management fined $2 million for MARPOL violations.

• Charges include illegal dumping of oily bilge water and falsifying oil record books.

• The vessel’s crew provided evidence.

• The company’s chief engineer and captain also face charges.

Illegal Dumping and Falsified Records

Zeaborn Ship Management admitted to discharging over 7,500 gallons of untreated oily bilge water from the freighter Star Maia into the ocean. This practice, which bypasses required oil-water separators, violates international treaties and federal law. Furthermore, the company falsified the vessel’s oil record book to conceal these illegal discharges.

Crew Involvement and Coast Guard Enforcement

The U.S. Coast Guard’s strict enforcement of international oil pollution rules led to the discovery of these infractions. In addition to the company’s plea, Star Maia’s chief engineer admitted to the discharges and falsifying the oil record book. The vessel’s captain also admitted that the crew burned trash and disposed of the barrels overboard, failing to record these actions in the garbage record book.

Broader Implications

Captain James W. Spitler of the U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Diego emphasized that “illegal dumping of oil, falsification of oil record books, and flagrant disregard for air emission requirements are egregious violations.” He stated that these guilty pleas serve as a reminder that authorities will hold accountable those who deliberately harm the maritime environment. Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden added that the vigorous enforcement of environmental laws is crucial for safeguarding the oceans.

The chief engineer and captain are scheduled for sentencing on December 1. Zeaborn’s probation includes extra environmental compliance oversight for its U.S. port calls.

Sources

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