Newsroom
A company in Limassol has been fined €8000 for polluting the waters of the southern town, during inspection that gave the newly-formed deputy ministry of shipping an opportunity to get involved.
During inspection of the ocean waters, oil pollution was detected in an area off Limassol.
The Department of Fisheries and Marine Research in cooperation with the newly-formed Deputy Ministry of Shipping were able to locate the polluter and fined him on the spot.
“The one who caused the pollution was identified and was given an out-of-court fine in the amount of €8000 plus expenses to clean the water and restore the area,” said a statement by the department.
The inspection took place on March 28 and it gave the opportunity to the deputy ministry of shipping staff to see up close the procedures for carrying out such work.
The shipping deputy minister, Natasa Pilidou, is the first ever to hold the position in Cyprus, after the industry lobbied successfully for the creation of a top-level administration in the field, which is based in Limassol and has replaced the old department of Merchant Shipping.
The government has recently upgraded its administration on maritime issues, which includes a tougher approach to offenders as well as promoting a more open and safe environment for business activities.
