On 9 July, a Court in Marseille started the trial for the Captain of the P&O cruise ship ‘Azura’, who was sued over breaching sulphur fuel limit, during the vessel’s stopover in Marseilles, on 29 March. In the first case of its kind in Europe, if found guilty, the Master could face up to a year in prison and a fine of up to €200,000.
The ship reportedly failed to comply with the European law against air pollution, using heavy fuel oil (HFO) containing 1.68% of sulphur, which exceeds the maximum allowed limit of 1.5%, local media reported.
According to data provided by the French press, the Captain of the ‘Azura’ was not present at the hearing.
In addition, the court will allegedly take legal actions against Carnival Corporation, parent company of P&O Cruises.
Air pollution is a key area of concern in the port of Marseille and in Mediterranean ports generally, as cruise ship traffic sees rising development.
