Nigerian Tanker Banned From European Ports

A Nigerian-flagged tanker, the 646 gt Delmar Eagle, has been banned from entering European ports, Britain's Maritime and Coastguard Agency said. The ship was banned after leaving Penzance without permission on Sept. 16, having being detained since February for a number of serious deficiencies. The ban will last until the ship is inspected to make sure repairs have been carried out. The ship was detained after its steering failed while en route to Lagos in Nigeria, and it was towed into Falmouth on the southwestern coast of Britain. The Delmar Eagle was the second ship to be banned by Britain since procedures came into effect in 1995. In total 23, vessels have been banned in European ports that are members of the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control.