Maritime News
Bill Introduced to Limit Maritime Liens on Fishing Permits
Congressman Young of Alaska has introduced House Resolution NO. 234 on January 3, 2017 entitled the “Maritime Lien Reform Act.” The resolution would affect any fishing permit authorized by state or federal law. No lien would be established on such a permit and no civil action to enforce the permit would be authorized. A copy of the House Resolution is attached.BILLS-115hr234ih
Two Greek Shipping Companies Suspended from U.S. Waters
Oceanfleet Shipping Limited, owner of M/V OCEAN HOPE, was sentenced to pay a $1,350,000 fine and make a $450,000 community service payment to Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary. Oceanic Illsabe Limited, the vessel’s corporate owner, was sentenced to pay a $675,000 fine and make a $225,000 community service payment to the reef. Each company was placed on probation for 5 years and barred from sending ships to the U.S. until the fines and penalties are paid. The fines and penalties were the result of an inspection of the vessel by the Coast Guard when it was in Wilmington, N.C. The companies were charged with and found guilty of obstruction of justice, violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS), tampering with witnesses and conspiracy. The vessel was of Liberian registry and sold for scrap shortly after the indictments. The vessel’s two top engineers were previously convicted and sentenced to serve prison sentences in connection with the charges. The announcement by the DOJ may be found following this link:https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/greek-shipping-companies-sentenced-pay-27-million-ocean-pollution
