Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Pacific-Era

In a significant case highlighting maritime regulatory compliance issues, a Greek shipping manager has acknowledged guilt related to serious MARPOL infractions concerning the discharge of oily waste from the tanker 'Galissas'. The company, Zeus Lines Management, along with the vessel's captain, admitted to sailing through the Atlantic and U.S. waters without informing the Coast Guard of a malfunctioning inert-gas system, which put onboard safety at risk. The incident traces back to February 2, 2022, when the crew prepared to depart from Rotterdam and discovered that the inert gas system was inoperative. Instead of waiting for spare parts for repairs, the ship's master and management decided to continue to the U.S., with plans to procure the necessary replacement in Newport, Rhode Island. This decision notably ignored potential unsafe oxygen levels in the cargo tanks during transit. Upon arrival in Newport, the master neglected to report this hazardous condition in required pre-arrival documentation. Upon U.S. Coast Guard inspection on February 20, the vessel's captain informed the inspectors of the inert-gas system failure, and measurements showed oxygen levels in the cargo tanks were alarmingly high at 15-17 percent, significantly above the safe threshold of 8 percent. Given the serious risk of fire or explosion due to these conditions, the Coast Guard advised the vessel to move to a safer location further offshore. In a concerning turn of events, the master consulted with Zeus’ operations manager, who instructed him to falsify the logbook to falsely indicate that oxygen levels had been routinely monitored and proven safe throughout the voyage. The responsibility for this deception fell upon the chief mate, who created the bogus records presented to the Coast Guard. Further inspections revealed over two dozen deficiencies aboard the 'Galissas', including missing safety certifications and non-functional emergency equipment. The Coast Guard discovered discrepancies between the chief engineer's oily record book and electronic records, leading to inquiries about the ship's waste disposal methods. The chief engineer, Roberto Cayabyab Penaflor, claimed that all oily waste was properly disposed of at shore reception facilities, a required service that involves significant costs. However, investigations indicated otherwise: he had directed lower-ranked crew members to discharge untreated oily bilge water directly into the ocean on three occasions, resulting in an environmental release of approximately 9,500 gallons. Notably, these discharges were absent from the oil record book, and the chief engineer had instructed his subordinates to misreport the situation. In light of these findings, Zeus Lines Management has agreed to plead guilty to failing to maintain an accurate oil record and failing to report the hazardous condition promptly. The company is set to face a fine of $2.25 million and will be on probation for four years. Additionally, both the chief engineer and the captain, Jose Ervin Mahigne Porquez, have pleaded guilty to MARPOL violations, each facing maximum penalties of six years in prison and fines reaching $250,000.

In a recent development within the shipping industry, BW MARITIME has successfully secured a new charter agreement at a rate of $14,000. This charter will be in effect for a period of three months, marking a significant transaction for the company as it continues to expand its operations. The deal underscores the ongoing relevance and demand for maritime services in today’s market.

The MV Galissas, carrying a substantial load of gasoil, has encountered significant engine complications during its voyage from Ar Ruways, United Arab Emirates, to Brazil. On June 11, 2018, the vessel was forced to divert to Cape Town as it experienced main engine troubles. After conducting thorough inspections and attempting sea trials, the performance remained unsatisfactory, leading to the vessel's return to Jackson Wharf in Cape Town on July 4. In light of these challenges, the owners have officially declared a state of General Average. Additional inspection efforts are underway to pinpoint the exact nature of the engine malfunction. While the option for cargo transshipment hasn't been confirmed, it remains a possibility depending on the outcomes of the ongoing investigations into the main engine's issues.