Shipowner’s interest defense against the State Environmental Inspection (SEI) unlawful actions

A large international company – shipowner filed a request to Interlegal on legal assistance aimed at its interests defense in relationship with SEI due to SEI state inspectors’ claims against shipowner upon environmental inspection on board of the vessel staying at one of the Ukrainian sea ports.

The above claim was based on the analysis of ballast water samples taken illegally by inspectors during the vessel stay for loading.

Since SEI state inspectors were not admitted to the vessel, they fixed the seal impress “Radiologic control. Departure is prohibited” on the cargo manifest.

Due to the above circumstance, customs officers rejected cargo customs clearance followed by vessel detention at the sea port.

Prompt engagement of Interlegal lawyers, jointly with comprehensive legal support and correct legal position, prevented both vessel long-term idle stay at the Ukrainian sea port and SEI illegal state control followed by unlawful penal sanctions for the sea port water area pollution by hazardous substances.

Interlegal senior lawyer Alexey Remeslo and lawyer Mikhail Selivanov led the case.