Library:

Ship Fined $70,000 for Oil Pollution

Published in the December 2005 issue of Transportation Notes - View Article

A Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Court Judge has ordered the ship Nordic Fighter (previously known as the Front Fighter) to pay a $70,000 fine for illegally discharging a pollutant in Canadian waters.

In June of 2004, the Front Fighter was traveling from Yorktown, Virginia toward Whiffen Head, Newfoundland and Labrador, when a Transport Canada marine pollution surveillance flight detected three oil slicks behind the vessel.

When the vessel arrived at Whiffen Head, Transport Canada Marine Safety Inspectors boarded her and conducted an investigation which confirmed that the oil had originated from the vessel. Transport Canada laid charges under the Pollution Prevention Regulations pursuant to the Canada Shipping Act. The vessel pleaded guilty and was fined $70,000.