Greek firm Polembros Shipping has been banned from US waters for three years after admitting it violated anti-pollution laws, the US Justice Department has announced.
Polembros was also charged with violating ship safety laws, including failing to notify authorities about a cracked rudder stem on a ship that docked in New Orleans.
The company was also found guilty of making false statements during the US Coast Guard’s investigation, the department said.
The company will pay a $2.7m criminal fine and another $100,000 as a community service payment to be used to preserve ecosystems, Reuters reported.
As part of its plea deal and probation, any ships that Polembros owns or manages will be barred from entering US ports and territorial waters for three years.
