Tanker detained by Spain for discharging petrol

By Marc Allen

Spanish authorities have diverted and detained the tanker, Aldan, for discharging petroleum 150 miles off Las Palmas. The operators of the 2003-built vessel, UAE-based Muhit Maritime, now face what may be a record-breaking fine.

The Aldan was en route to Piraeus when the Spanish General Directorate of the Merchant Marine (DGMM) ordered the vessel to divert to Almeira. A Spanish naval vessel escorted the tanker into port in order to “supervise compliance with the order at all times.”

The petrol slick was detected by a satellite operated by European Maritime Safety Agency and according to Spain’s Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda the illegal discharge contaminated about 20 square miles of the sea.