The operator of a UK-registered container ship has been ordered to pay more than £17,000 following an oil spill.

The Ever Sigma, operated by Evergreen Marine, breached oil pollution regulations when 700 litres of heavy fuel oil went overboard en route from Greece to the Netherlands, the Environment Agency said.

The incident took place when the chief engineer decided to carry out an internal transfer of the fuel using two pumps.

It was reported to Italian authorities 27 hours after the spill occurred.

The operator was fined £10,000 plus costs of £7,191.01 and a victim surcharge of £120 after pleading guilty to a breach of oil pollution legislation at Southampton Magistrates Court.

Mr Patz, Chairman of the Magistrates’ Bench said: “If the heavy fuel oil hadn’t been seen by the bosun, the incident could have been much worse. The delay in reporting the incident was also unacceptable.”