Mare-Doricum Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

The Environmental Prosecutor's Office is taking decisive legal action by requesting the Judiciary to annul the sailing permit for the tanker 'Mare Doricum', which is implicated in an alarming 11,000-barrel oil spill in Ventanilla. This request has surfaced following the irregular approval granted to the vessel amidst ongoing investigations into what is known as the worst ecological disaster in Peru's coastal history. On September 15, 2025, the Specialized Environmental Prosecutor's Office (FEMA) stressed that allowing the Repsol-operated tanker to navigate to China directly contravenes the ongoing probes related to this significant environmental crisis. The situation escalated when the Judiciary lifted the seizure order against 'Mare Doricum' on September 3, even though an appeal challenging this decision was awaiting judicial review. Just a day later, on September 4, the General Directorate of Captaincies and Coast Guard (DICAPI) authorized the vessel's departure, dismissing concerns that the judicial proceedings were still open. Subsequently, 'Mare Doricum' departed from Callao on September 5. The Prosecutor's Office expressed serious concerns regarding the vessel's unsanctioned return and overseas voyage, highlighting that it took place without the necessary consent or the resolution's finality that had sanctioned a "principle of opportunity," which was controversially enforced by former prosecutor Ariel Tapia Gómez. They argue that these irregularities jeopardize both the transparency and continuity of ongoing investigations directed at identifying those responsible for the environmental disaster. In light of these developments, certified reports of the incident have been submitted to Judiciary oversight bodies, DICAPI, and the National Port Authority, seeking accountability for administrative, functional, and jurisdictional shortcomings. Furthermore, the National Coordination of Environmental Prosecutors has urged relevant authorities to act with urgency, ensuring that the investigations into the environmental pollution attributed to Repsol remain uninterrupted.

Peruvian authorities are taking swift action following the substantial oil spill linked to the 'Mare Doricum'. This investigative effort, spearheaded by local prosecutors, could see penalties soar to a hefty $33 million for environmental damages if culpability is established. The spill has led to significant ecological harm, resulting in the loss of avian life and vital ocean microorganisms. In response, Peru's environmental agency has initiated emergency measures, restricting access to two beaches and a National Natural Reserve to prevent further contamination. Intensive cleanup operations are underway, with the Environmental Minister mandating La Pampilla refinery to pinpoint critical leak points within 48 hours and to remove the spilled oil within ten days. Amid this crisis, speculation regarding accountability is rampant. Neither Repsol, the refinery’s parent company, nor Petrobras, the owner of the oil terminal involved, have issued statements as concerns mount. Additionally, the navy faces criticism for its failure to issue a Tsunami warning, which has raised safety alarms among local fishermen and further complicated the ongoing situation.

An oil spill incident unfolded on January 15, 2022, as the oil tanker 'Mare Doricum' was undergoing unloading operations at the La Pampilla refinery located in Callao Province. This unfortunate event was precipitated by unusual wave patterns attributed to the volcanic eruption in Tonga, which generated tsunami waves impacting the Pacific region. The vessel had previously arrived from Sao Sebastiao on January 14. In response to the spill, on January 16, personnel from both the ship and the Multibuoys terminal implemented containment measures, erecting barriers spanning approximately 500 meters. Additionally, three boats were deployed to clean and collect the hydrocarbons from the affected waters. The Environment Ministry has indicated that the company responsible for this spill may face fines approximating $34.5 million. Furthermore, prosecution authorities have initiated an investigation into the alleged environmental pollution committed by the La Pampilla Refinery. As part of the ongoing inquiry, the tanker has been prohibited from sailing and is currently anchored in the bays of Callao Port pending the conclusion of investigations. For more details, view the report here: http://www.ecns.cn/m/hd/2022-01-18/detail-ihauveie2087981.shtml