Two Greek shipping companies, Avin International and Kriti Ruby Special Maritime Enterprises, pleaded guilty to federal charges of falsifying records and obstruction of justice. They agreed to a $3.4 million fine for concealing the illegal dumping of oily waste off the coast of New Jersey.
Between May and September 2022, the Motor Tanker Kriti Ruby, owned by Avin International and operated by Kriti Ruby Special Maritime Enterprises, transported petroleum products between the United States, Europe, and Africa. During this time, the ship stopped at a port in Jacksonville, Florida, and at a petroleum terminal in the Sewaren section of Woodbridge. Ships like the Kriti Ruby are required by law to prevent oil leaks and maintain an oil record book to track waste disposal. However, at the direction of senior engineering officers, crew members illegally dumped oily waste and hid the equipment used. They also falsified the Oil Record Book to cover up their actions. The ship's second engineer was sentenced to time served for concealing pollution by falsifying records. In addition to the criminal fine, the companies will also make a $1.25 million community service payment to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation