Turkish Shipping Firms Hit with $2 Million Fine for Illegal Oil Dumping

A federal court in New Orleans has fined Turkish shipping companies Prive Overseas Marine and Prive Shipping Denizcilik Ticaret $2 million for illegally dumping oil from their tanker, PS Dream. The companies were also placed on probation for four years for their role in the environmental violation.

The case came to light in January when a crewmember aboard the PS Dream provided the U.S. Coast Guard with videos that showed oil being pumped overboard into the water, leaving a visible trail behind the tanker as it approached New Orleans.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) charged the companies with conspiracy, knowingly violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS), and obstruction of justice for falsifying the tanker’s oil record book. These charges were confirmed through a plea agreement in federal court by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown.

Captain Abdurrahman Korkmaz, the Turkish national serving as the ship’s master, faces separate charges for violating APPS and obstructing the inspection of the ship. Court documents revealed that Korkmaz ordered crew members to use a portable pump and a flexible hose to discharge oily waste directly into the ocean, bypassing the required pollution prevention equipment. The waste, including engine room sludge, had been improperly stored in the residual oil tank.

“Criminal prosecutions are needed to deter deliberate efforts to circumvent our nation’s anti-pollution laws.”

— US Attorney Duane Evans

“This case involved deceit and wilful pollution, and this prosecution is intended to hold both the corporations and individuals accountable,” said US Attorney Duane Evans. “Criminal prosecutions are needed to deter deliberate efforts to circumvent our nation’s anti-pollution laws. Importantly, $500,000 of the criminal penalty will go toward environmental protection of the marine environment in our area.”

The DOJ stated that senior managers at Prive Shipping were aware of the oil-contaminated waste in the tank and were informed by the ship’s master that it had been dumped overboard. The companies' guilty pleas and the resulting penalties highlight the seriousness of their actions.

“The Coast Guard and our partners remain steadfast in our shared commitment to safeguarding our waters and holding accountable those who threaten our marine ecosystems,” said Captain Greg Callaghan, deputy commander of the USCG in New Orleans. “We encourage individuals to continue reporting any suspicious activities, as each report plays a crucial role in protecting the marine environment.”