Zao-Galaxy Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

In a significant case highlighting environmental accountability, a federal jury in the Northern District of California has found Gilbert Fajardo Dela Cruz guilty of engaging in an environmental crime and obstructing justice. Dela Cruz, a former engineer of the tanker 'Zao Galaxy' (IMO: 9560434), was involved in the intentional dumping of oily bilge water on February 11, 2019, during the vessel's journey from the Philippines to Richmond, California. The case came to light when Coast Guard inspectors boarded the Zao Galaxy after its arrival in Richmond. During the inspection, a crew member discreetly handed a note to the inspector, hinting at serious environmental violations linked to a 'magic pipe' used to bypass proper waste management systems. Following a thorough investigation, it was revealed that Dela Cruz had instructed crew members to illegally discharge oily bilge water overboard, utilizing equipment to circumvent the ship’s oil water separator. In a shocking admission, Unix, the company operating the Zao Galaxy, acknowledged that the discharges were premeditated and went unrecorded in the vessel's oil record book that was presented to the Coast Guard. The company pled guilty to violations under the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships, facing a hefty $1.65 million fine, four years of probation, and a directive to implement an Environmental Compliance Plan. Despite these admissions, Dela Cruz maintained his innocence and proceeded to trial. Evidence revealed that he had orchestrated the dumping and subsequent cover-up by instructing a lower-level employee to dispose of oily waste directly into the ocean, while also failing to document these actions properly. Furthermore, he advised his assistant to evade Coast Guard scrutiny by concealing the 'magic pipe' and ensuring that their narrative regarding the events remained consistent. On October 24, 2019, a federal grand jury indicted Dela Cruz, charging him with multiple counts, including violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships and obstruction of justice. After deliberation, the jury unanimously found him guilty on all counts, which could result in a maximum sentence of six years for the pollution charge, along with potential fines and supervised release terms. Sentencing is scheduled for June 11, 2021, at which time Dela Cruz will learn his fate, while he remains out on bond pending the outcome.

On March 20, 2020, UNIX Line Pte Ltd, the management company of the vessel 'Zao Galaxy', faced legal consequences for neglecting to maintain accurate entries in the ship's oil record book. The ruling ordered the company to pay a hefty fine of $1,650,400, alongside four years of probation and the establishment of a robust environmental compliance strategy. In the aftermath of the incident, which stemmed from actions taken by a crew member, UNIX Line Pte Ltd has been collaborating closely with U.S. authorities. The company emphasizes its commitment to environmental regulations through a comprehensive compliance program that mandates rigorous training for all crew members, ensuring they are fully aware of their responsibilities in maintaining compliance with all applicable laws.

On February 27, 2020, the owner of the vessel 'Zao Galaxy' entered a guilty plea regarding a single count of breaching the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships. This admission comes as the company collaborates closely with U.S. officials following an incident that involved an unintentional violation by a member of the crew. The 'Zao Galaxy' was first detained by Coast Guard inspectors in California as a result of deficiencies identified during routine inspections. UNIX Line, the company behind the vessel, has maintained open communication with authorities throughout the investigation and is eager to move forward. It’s important to note that UNIX Line has a stringent corporate policy that explicitly prohibits any infringements of environmental legislation, underpinned by a comprehensive compliance program aimed at ensuring full adherence to all applicable laws.