Malta-flagged cargo ship leaks oil in French waters

A flag state control merchant shipping inspector is in France investigating an oil leakage from a Malta-flagged cargo ship, the Nova Hollandia.

The Malta Maritime Authority said that preliminary investigations by directorate officials indicate a leak had developed in the ballast line.

This may have resulted in ballast water being contaminated with bunker oil, which was subsequently accidentally discharged into the sea during normal operations.

The incident happened when the vessel was sailing 130km west of Brittany in France.

The ship is now in the French port of Brest.