Greek Shipping Firms Plead Guilty To Polluting Oceans Near U.S. Ports

Two Greek shipping companies face millions of dollars in fines after pleading guilty to concealing the illegal transport and discharge of oily bilge water near US ports.

Avin International Ltd. and Kriti Ruby Special Maritime Enterprises were ordered to pay $3.3 million in fines, along with a $1 million community service payment to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. I Photo: Avin International Ltd. 

The pollution came from the tanker Kriti Ruby, US Justice Department officials said. The ship’s crew presented false records to US Coast Guard officials at ports in Jacksonville, Fla., and Newark, N.J., United Press International (UPI) reported.

Avin International Ltd. and Kriti Ruby Special Maritime Enterprises pleaded guilty to the 2002 incidents and were ordered to pay $3.3 million in fines, along with a $1 million community service payment to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Justice officials stated that the companies also received five-year probation terms, during which they will be subject to environmental compliance plans and inspections.

The companies admitted to violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS).

Justice officials added that the Kriti Ruby's former chief engineer, Konstantinos Atsalis, was sentenced on Monday to time served and fined $5,000 after previously pleading guilty to charges related to the illegal discharge of oily waste and falsifying records.

Additionally, second engineer Sonny Bosito was also sentenced to time served in relation to the incident.