The allegation follows the inspection of the 162,800-dwt Sestrea (built 2009) in Corpus Christi, Texas last month.

In a subsequent report the USCG argued that the oil content meter of the vessel’s oily water separator was bypassed, presumably with hoses and flanges.

The organisation claims this allowed effluent with an excessive oil content to flow directly into the ocean, which is a violation of Annex I of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (Marpol).

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