Liability, awards and settlements

13.5, oil spill, fine

US: a Singapore-based shipping company whose vessel spilled oil into Elliott Bay last year paid a $27,500 fine to the Washington Department of Ecology. OSM Ship Management’s payment resulted from the spill of an estimated 93 gallons of oil as the fuel was being taken on by bulk carrier Songa Hua (now named Bargara ) on Feb 28, 2007. Ecology officials said the crew failed to follow proper procedures during fuelling, made faulty repairs to a valve, and failed to keep an eye on the valve in its first use after the repair, as well as failing to report the spill as required under state law. The spill coated shore areas of northern Elliott Bay, and took six days to clean up.