Landmark ruling in Total Erika case

The Paris Criminal Court has imposed on French oil company Total a Euro375,000 fine and ordered it to pay almost Euro200m in civil compensation following a trial into the sinking of ageing oil tanker Erika.

In December 1999, Erika sank in rough seas off the coast of France spilling around 30,000 tonnes of oil into the ocean and causing one of the worst environmental disasters in living memory.

The court established that the sinking was caused by corrosion of the ship’s structures and that this corrosion resulted from gross negligence. Total was found guilty of recklessness in its vessel inspection and vetting procedure.

“The court established that the sinking was caused by corrosion of the ship's structures and that this corrosion resulted from gross negligence

The company was acquitted of reckless endangerment of human life.

The oil company said it was ‘disappointed’ in the verdict and it is thought to be considering an appeal. It has ten days in which to file an appeal.

The ruling sets a legal precedent in France for the right to compensation for environmental damages.