Germany: Marshall Islands-Flagged Bulker Violated Environmental Regulation

Authorities in Germany have found that a Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier violated the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). 

On September 18, 2019, the water police in Stade inspected the unnamed bulker at the Port of Stade on the River Elbe.

The officers checked, among other things, the ship’s compliance with MARPOL annexes.

While examining the vessel’s Oil Record Book, the water police discovered that, over a period of six months, there were no plausible operational procedures for fuel processing and dealing with oil and combustion residues.

Specifically, many obligatory records were not maintained at all.

The captain and the chief engineer of the ship are held responsible for the matter, according to the water police.

After consultations with the relevant Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency of Germany (BSH), the water police ordered a security provision of about EUR 7,000 (USD 7,772).

World Maritime News Staff