FRENCH FERRY OPERATOR FINED

[proud_ionian]

TRANSMANCHE, the owning company of the French-flag ro-pax ferry Dieppe has been fined £15,000 (US$ 28,300) plus costs of £9,373.27 for causing an oil slick in the English Channel. Last August a French customs helicopter spotted an oil slick and found it to be coming from the Dieppe which runs between Newhaven in South East England and Dieppe, France. At the time of the sighting the Dieppe was about 8.5 miles south-south-east of Beach Head, within UK waters. Photographs were taken and a report made to the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

According to the MCA, statements were obtained from the helicopter crew by Gendarmerie Maritime at Le Havre. The MCA contacted the owners/ship managers asking for their side of the story.

The MCA says: “It is believed that the Dieppe had a long standing problem with its oily water separator which had led to restrictions on its use being imposed. The oily water separator was in use when seen by the French Customs Helicopter. The owners subsequently admitted to releasing three cubic metres of oily water.”

In passing sentence the Chairman of the Magistrates' Bench highlighted that there had been a problem with the oily water separator over two years and that the vessel had continued to use a troublesome piece of equipment whilst alternatives were available.

Bryan Hopkins, Surveyor-in-Charge South East Marine Offices, stated: "This is a timely reminder to all ship owners, ship managers and seafarers to ensure that oily water separators are operated correctly. The importance of a properly maintained oily water separator in avoiding pollution cannot be emphasised too highly. “

source: MGN