V Ships Norway AS has agreed to pay a $2 million fine after admitting to violations of the U.S. Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships. The case involves the “Swift Winchester” tanker, which discharged oily ballast water and waste oil into the ocean without properly recording these discharges in the vessel’s Oil Record Book, as required by law.

From February to August 2022, a hose was installed between the incinerator waste oil tank and the sewage collection tank, transferring oily waste into the sewage system and discharging it directly into the sea, bypassing pollution control equipment.

The issue was initially reported by a junior engine crew member to V.Ships’ management, leading to the dismissal of the chief engineer. However, improper practices continued. In August 2022, the newly appointed chief engineer instructed crew to clean the ship’s oil-water separator filters on deck using degreaser, with oily wastewater flowing directly into the ocean.

When the ship called at Baton Rouge, Louisiana (Aug 25, 2022), and later at Port Arthur, Texas (Sep 7, 2022), its Oil Record Book contained false entries, confirmed during subsequent investigations.

Following crew-provided evidence, including photos and videos of illegal discharges, the U.S. Coast Guard conducted a thorough investigation. Coast Guard personnel inspected the vessel and collected evidence at Port Arthur.

U.S. authorities condemned the company’s actions as harmful to the environment and public health. The Department of Justice stated that crew deliberately falsified records to conceal illegal dumping and emphasized that such misconduct will not be overlooked.

The Coast Guard added that it operates one of the world’s strictest ship inspection programs and will continue enforcing compliance with both domestic and international pollution laws.