The U.S. Department of Justice issued a news release stating that, after pleading guilty, a shipping company has been sentenced to pay a criminal fine of $2.7m for violation of pollution and safety laws and for making false statements. In addition, ships owned or managed by the company will be prohibited from entering U.S. ports for three years. The court awarded $540,000 to nine former crew members who extensively cooperated in the investigation. This is the first conviction of a shipping company for violation of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act. (12/9/09).
(Source: Bryant’s Maritime News)