A US court has slapped a $1m fine on Taiwan-based Koo's Shipping Company for violation of environmental laws. Koo's Shipping was ordered to pay $750,000 in criminal fine and $250,000 towards community service projects in American Samoa, and the company was placed on probation for three years, according to a statement from the US Department of Justice. The Taiwanese firm pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of making false statements, knowingly failing to fully and accurately maintain an Oil Record Book as required by international treaty and US law, and for discharging oily bilge waste into Pago Pago Harbor, American Samoa, without using proper pollution prevention equipment. “We will aggressively prosecute vessel companies who willfully violate the laws enacted to protect our oceans,” said assistant attorney general Ignacia S. Moreno. “This penalty will help restore and protect the environment of American Samoa.” Last August, Koo's Shipping's vessel Syota Maru was caught by the US coast guard for discharging oily bilge waste directly into the ocean without using the appropriate pollution prevention equipment.
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