Baltimore, MD – Greek ship management firm Irika Maritime, S.A. has been slapped with a $4 million penalty and five years of probation for systematically concealing the illegal dumping of oil and waste into the ocean, a repeat offense that has drawn the ire of federal prosecutors. The case, stemming from events aboard the cargo vessel M/V Iorana in 2009 and early 2010, highlights a pattern of environmental negligence and obstruction of justice by the company, which was previously convicted of similar crimes in 2007.
The investigation began in January 2010 when a courageous crew member of the M/V Iorana bypassed protocol and handed a note to a Customs and Border Protection agent upon arrival in Baltimore. The note detailed how Chief Engineer Triantafyllos Marmaras had allegedly directed the dumping of approximately 23 cubic meters (6,000 gallons) of oil-contaminated sludge and bilge waste directly into the sea. The whistleblower also provided photographic evidence, capturing images of a clandestine “magic hose” used to bypass the ship’s required oily water separator – a critical piece of equipment designed to prevent pollution.
Federal authorities discovered that the illegal discharges weren’t isolated incidents. Over a period of weeks, the crew of the Iorana intentionally dumped waste oil and even oil-soaked rags overboard, all while falsifying the ship’s oil record book to conceal their actions. Evidence revealed the use of a 103-foot hose connected to the ship’s boiler blow down system, intended to “steam clean” any traces of oil before it hit the water. The company further attempted to cover its tracks by repainting flanges on the bypass hose to eliminate tool marks, and instructing crew members to lie to Coast Guard investigators.
Repeat Offender & Whistleblower Reward
What makes this case particularly egregious is Irika Maritime’s history. In 2007, the company and a chief engineer were convicted of similar pollution violations aboard the M/V Irika in Tacoma, Washington. As part of that sentence, Irika was mandated to implement a comprehensive Environmental Compliance Plan across its entire fleet, including the M/V Iorana. However, prosecutors revealed that Irika not only failed to uphold the plan but *re-hired the same convicted chief engineer* from the 2007 case, who then oversaw the new violations on the Iorana. Chief Engineer Marmaras himself pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice and received five years of probation and a $5,000 fine.
The Justice Department announced that four crewmembers who came forward with information about the illegal dumping will share a $500,000 whistleblower award, as provided by the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships. This reward serves as a crucial incentive for individuals within the maritime industry to report environmental crimes, even at personal risk.
Legal Ramifications & Chesapeake Bay Funding
Key Facts:
- Defendant: Irika Maritime, S.A.
- Crime: Illegal dumping of oil and waste, obstruction of justice
- Location: M/V Iorana, Atlantic Ocean, Baltimore, MD
- Year: 2010
- Penalty: $4 million fine, 5 years probation
- Repeat Offender: Previously convicted of similar crimes in 2007
- Whistleblower Reward: $500,000 to be shared by four crew members
- Laws Violated: Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships, obstruction of justice statutes
The prosecution was a collaborative effort involving the U.S. Coast Guard, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division, and attorneys from the Department of Justice. The case underscores the federal government’s commitment to holding maritime companies accountable for environmental crimes and protecting the world’s oceans.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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