The operator of a U.K.-registered containership has been ordered to pay £17,311.01 for breaching oil pollution legislation. The Ever Sigma – operated by Evergreen Marine – was en route from Greece to the Netherlands when 700 liters of heavy fuel oil went overboard. The incident occurred when the chief engineer decided to carry out an internal transfer of heavy fuel oil using two pumps. The heavy fuel oil was not pre-heated prior to the transfer – and the vessel’s master was not informed. A precautionary alarm sounded when the tank reached 336 metric tons (69% full). However, the use of two pumps continued for another hour when the transfer was stopped when the fuel level reached 417 metric tons (85% full).