Aqualis Offshore AS challenges corporate fine from Økokrim
Aqualis Offshore AS, a Norwegian subsidiary, has received a penalty charge notice of NOK 1.6 million from Økokrim public prosecutors’ office regarding an alleged violation in 2017 of the Norwegian pollution control act concerning transportation of waste for recycling across national borders, specifically related to the vessel Tide Carrier. Aqualis Offshore contests the charges. Økokrim has also advised that it will raise the fine to NOK 2.0 million if Aqualis Offshore rejects the fine and the case is brought to court.
The penalty charge relates to a marine warranty survey conducted by Aqualis Offshore in 2017 on the vessel Tide Carrier in Kvinnherad, Norway. Prior to its departure, whilst crew were reportedly undertaking some anciliary equipment overhauls, the vessel dragged its anchor during the onset of a storm and was subsequently towed to Gismarvik quay where it was placed under arrest. After investigation, Økokrim charged and fined the vessel’s commercial manager for attempting to illegally export hazardous waste to Pakistan. In issuing the penalty charge notice to Aqualis Offshore, Økokrim claims that Aqualis Offshore aided this attempt.
Aqualis Offshore strongly opposes Økokrim’s assessment of its role in the case. As an independent technical surveyor, Aqualis Offshore is not involved with decisions about where shipowners trade their vessels nor is responsible for ensuring shipowners comply with their legal obligations. With this penalty charge notice, Økokrim attempts to hold Aqualis Offshore legally accountable for destination decisions and processes that are outside the company’s influence and control.
“Økokrim’s charge against Aqualis Offshore can be compared with trying to hold a licensed automotive workshop responsible for where a car owner decides to drive their car following the completion of a periodic motor vehicle inspection (EU control/MOT test),” says CEO David Wells.
Aqualis Offshore believes that a full court hearing will prove that the company acted diligently in connection with the company’s marine warranty assignment, and that Økokrim is trying to hold Aqualis Offshore legally accountable for matters the company has no influence over. As the case will now go to court, further comments on this matter will currently not be provided.
Investors and financial media
Kim Boman, CFO, AqualisBraemar ASA
Telephone: +47 959 63 912
Other media enquiries
Endre Johansen, Corporate Communications AS
Telephone: +47 41 61 06 05
Email: endre.johansen@corpcom.no
About AqualisBraemar ASA
AqualisBraemar ASA (OSE: Aqua) is a public listed company that, through its subsidiaries and associates, offers adjusting, marine, offshore and renewables consultancy services to the energy, shipping and insurance industries. The group employs specialist engineers, naval architects, master mariners, loss adjusters and technical consultants in 48 offices located across 5 continents in 31 countries. AqualisBraemar ASA operates under three distinct brands globally:
- AqualisBraemar: a leading adjusting, marine and offshore consultancy to the energy, shipping and insurance industries
- AqualisBraemar Yacht Services: a specialised marine consultant to the superyacht market
- Offshore Wind Consultants: an independent consultancy to the offshore renewables sector