TROUBLED Jones Act carrier Horizon Lines has said it will pay US$1.5 million in fine to the US Justice Department for the improper use oil separation gear and the failure to keep accurate records.
The charges stem from the improper use of an oily water separator and related inappropriate record keeping aboard the 2,361-TEU Horizon Enterprise, an American-flag containership that sails between Tacoma, Oakland and Honolulu.
The settlement includes a $1 million fine and $500,000 donation to the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation for environmental community service programmes.
The carrier said in a statement it "has agreed to be placed on probation for three years and institute an environmental compliance plan."
"Horizon Lines has always endeavoured to operate as a responsible environmental steward," said president and CEO Stephen Fraser. "We are making every effort to see that this does not happen again, as we continue to provide service to our customers as an environmentally responsible American corporation."