MV Erika
| Company type | Oil tanker |
|---|---|
| Industry | Shipping, Oil transport |
| Founded | 1975 |
| Owner | TotalEnergies (charterer) |
MV Erika—previously known under names such as Shinsei Maru, Glory Ocean, Intermar Prosperity, South Energy, Jahre Energy, Prime Nobel, and Nobel'—was an oil tanker constructed in 1975 and ultimately chartered by TotalEnergies. The vessel sank off the French coast in 1999, leading to a major ecological catastrophe.
Background
Built in Japan, Erika belonged to a series of eight sister ships. Although it utilized approximately 10% less steel compared to many comparable tankers, it was preferred by operators due to its economical design.
Sinking
On 8 December 1999, the Erika set sail from Dunkirk bound for Livorno, transporting roughly 31,000 tons of heavy fuel oil. While navigating the Bay of Biscay, the tanker encountered a violent storm, which caused it to fracture and sink on 12 December. This event resulted in the discharge of thousands of tons of oil, severely impacting marine ecosystems and polluting the coastline near Brittany, France.
Certificates issued by RINA for Erika included:
- International Load Line Certificate – valid through 31 August 2003
- Safety Construction Certificate – valid through 31 August 2003
- International Pollution Certificate – valid through 31 August 2003
- Safety Equipment Certificate – valid through 14 August 2000
- Radio Certificate – valid through 31 March 2000
Total affirmed that Registro Italiano Navale (RINA) had certified the vessel as seaworthy, with mandatory inspections for ships exceeding twenty years of age. The incident triggered revisions in European Union regulations governing maritime transport.
On 16 January 2008, Total, alongside shipowner Giuseppe Savarese, manager Antonio Pollara, and RINA, were ordered to pay €192 million (approximately US$280 million) in damages plus individual fines. The court determined Total was negligent due to disregarding the vessel’s advanced age—nearly a quarter-century—and inconsistent upkeep. Total SA’s appeal against this verdict was dismissed on 30 March 2010.
See also
External links
- Investigation Report on the Erika Sinking near Brittany on 12 December 1999 (Archive) – Permanent Commission of Enquiry into Accidents at Sea (CPEM) – Provided by the Bureau d'Enquêtes sur les Événements de Mer
- Erika Wreck Investigation Report (Archive) – CPEM via BEAmer
- Official Report – Total
- Ministry of the Environment (Archived)
- Ministry of Defense File (Archived)
- GMDSS Communication Records
- Event Timeline