Two shipping firms charged with discharging 100L of oil each into Singapore waters, polluting sea

SINGAPORE: Two shipping companies were charged in court on Tuesday (Jun 6) over their oil tankers discharging about 100L of oil each into Singapore waters.

In separate cases, Hellenic Overseas Maritime Enterprises and Leth Incargo Marine Services were each handed one charge under the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea Act.

According to the charge sheets, Leth Incargo Marine Services was the agent of crude oil tanker Pacific A Dorodchi.

On Nov 29, 2022, while the tanker was receiving high-sulphur fuel oil from another oil tanker - the Maria Cosulich - at the Eastern Bunkering Anchorage A, the tanker allegedly discharged about 100L of high-sulphur fuel oil onto its deck and into Singapore waters.

Hellenic Overseas Maritime Enterprises was the agent of crude oil tanker Star Prosperity, which was receiving low-sulphur fuel oil from another oil tanker, MT Decorum, also at Eastern Bunkering Anchorage A on Jan 9, 2023.

An anchorage is a demarcated area off the coast where vessels can anchor. Singapore's anchorages, each with its designated purpose, are divided into three sectors: Eastern, Western, and Jurong.

Star Prosperity allegedly discharged about 100L of low-sulphur fuel oil from the port quarter vent pipe of its vessel due to a broken valve onto its deck and into Singapore waters.

The crew allegedly failed to take all reasonable precautions after the damage or discharge was discovered, in order to prevent or minimise oil escaping into Singapore waters.

For discharging oil into Singapore waters, the master, owner and agent of the ship can be jailed for up to two years, fined between S$1,000 and S$1 million, or both.

Both cases will be heard again in July.