Diamlemos Shipping Corporation, Oil Pollution, California 2008

Los Angeles, CA – Diamlemos Shipping Corporation has been sentenced following a guilty plea to federal charges of oil pollution stemming from the operation of its Greek-flagged tanker, the M/T Georgis Nikilos. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Coast Guard, revealed a deliberate pattern of illegal discharges into the ocean, violating international maritime law and U.S. environmental regulations.

According to court documents, crew members aboard the M/T Georgis Nikilos knowingly circumvented the vessel’s Oil Water Separator (OWS)—a crucial piece of equipment designed to prevent oil from entering the marine environment. Instead of properly processing oily waste, crew deliberately discharged untreated oily water and sludge directly overboard, concealing the illegal activity through falsified records. The scheme aimed to cut costs and avoid the time and expense associated with legal waste disposal procedures.

The EPA initiated its investigation following concerns raised about the vessel’s operational practices during a port call in California in March 2008. Evidence gathered by investigators included witness testimony from crew members who detailed the systematic bypassing of the OWS and the falsification of the ship’s Oil Record Book – the official log of oil-related transfers and discharges. This record book is a critical component of MARPOL compliance, allowing authorities to verify a vessel’s adherence to pollution prevention standards.

On March 4, 2008, Diamlemos Shipping was formally charged with two counts of violating the Marine Pollution Prevention Act, specifically 33 U.S.C. 1908(a), which addresses the failure to maintain an accurate Oil Record Book as mandated by the MARPOL Protocol. The charges carry significant penalties intended to deter illegal discharges and protect vulnerable marine ecosystems. The company swiftly entered a guilty plea on March 12, 2008, acknowledging the severity of the offenses.

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Sentencing & Penalties

On April 29, 2008, U.S. District Judge imposed a sentence of 36 months probation on Diamlemos Shipping Corporation. In addition to probation, the company was ordered to pay a $800 special assessment fee, $1,920 in restitution to the U.S. Coast Guard for investigative costs, and a substantial federal fine totaling $750,000. The hefty fine underscores the seriousness with which federal authorities view violations of maritime environmental law.

Key Facts

Defendant: Diamlemos Shipping Corporation
Vessel: M/T Georgis Nikilos (Greek-flagged tanker)
Crime: Illegal discharge of oily water and sludge into the ocean; falsification of Oil Record Book
Statute Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1908(a) (MARPOL Protocol violations)
Guilty Plea Date: March 12, 2008
Sentence: 36 months probation, $800 special assessment, $1,920 restitution, $750,000 fine

This case serves as a stark reminder that ship owners and operators are legally and ethically obligated to protect the marine environment. The EPA continues to aggressively pursue enforcement actions against companies and individuals who attempt to circumvent environmental regulations, ensuring accountability for pollution and safeguarding our oceans.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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