Swire faces fines over Australian oil spill

London-based Swire Shipping, the owner of 'Pacific Adventurer', could face fines of up to US$890,000 over the oil spill in Queensland's Moreton Bay.

According to The Australian, Queensland Premier, Anna Bligh said the state would be seeking compensation for the clean up, which could take at least a week and cost more than US$460,000.

"The oil spill off Moreton Bay is a very serious threat to our environment," she was quoted as saying by The Australian. "If there has been a breach of environmental requirements, we will not hesitate to prosecute those concerned."

'Pacific Adventurer' was en route from Newcastle, New South Wales, to Brisbane, Queensland, on Wednesday (March 11) when it encountered rough seas. The vessel lost 31 containers and up to 620 tonnes of chemical ammonium nitrate. One of the containers pierced the ship's hull and oil tank, spilling up to 30 tonnes of heavy fuel oil and creating an oil slick that has already contaminated beaches along the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Island, The Australian reported.

Marine Safety Queensland General Manager John Watkinson said that Swire Shipping could face fines of up to US$890,000 and the ship's captain could be fined up to US$3250,000.  

The Environmental Protection Agency expressed its concern for the Moreton Island area, which is an important roosting site for sea birds.