Authorities in Germany have imposed a
record fine to a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker for breaching an open-loop
scrubber ban in the Port of Hamburg.
On November 18, 2019, local water
police conducted a routine check of an unnamed vessel and determined
environmental breaches.
As a result, the ship has received a
fine of EUR 50,000 (about USD 55,400) by the Department of Environment and
Energy.
fine of EUR 50,000 (about USD 55,400) by the Department of Environment and
Energy.
As informed, officers found that the
vessel was equipped with an open-loop scrubber. Such systems use sea water as
the process fluid and discharge the treated water overboard.
vessel was equipped with an open-loop scrubber. Such systems use sea water as
the process fluid and discharge the treated water overboard.
Under the relevant CDNI convention,
the discharge of wash water from a scrubber into the river Elbe and in the Port
of Hamburg is strictly prohibited.
the discharge of wash water from a scrubber into the river Elbe and in the Port
of Hamburg is strictly prohibited.
Ships equipped with open-loop scrubbers are
required to timely switch to low sulphur fuel oil.
required to timely switch to low sulphur fuel oil.
It is only possible to
dispose of closed-loop wash water and solid scrubber waste for a fee at the
port reception facilities in Hamburg.
dispose of closed-loop wash water and solid scrubber waste for a fee at the
port reception facilities in Hamburg.
Despite this prohibition, the ship
already discharged 2,300 tons in the port water at the time of the inspection.
already discharged 2,300 tons in the port water at the time of the inspection.
A 43-year-old Philippine Chief
Officer is held responsible for the incident.
Officer is held responsible for the incident.
World Maritime News
