Liberty Marine Corporation has been fined US$32,000 for a 2023 oil spill off the coast of Washington that released nearly 200 gallons into Puget Sound, reported The Cool Down.

The spill occurred aboard the Liberty Peace, a 58,000-ton car carrier anchored near Manchester. A crew member overfilled the waste oil service tank, causing oil to escape through a clogged vent and drain overboard via the rainwater system.

Washington's Department of Ecology said the incident was preventable. Crew members ignored safety protocols, failed to respond to alarms, and silenced one without taking corrective action. Safety equipment was found clogged and malfunctioning.

About 47 gallons were recovered from the ship's deck, but none of the oil that entered the Sound was retrieved. The contamination posed serious risks to the local ecosystem, which supports salmon, herring, orcas and other marine life.

While no immediate wildlife impacts were recorded, oil pollution can suffocate fish, poison mammals and disrupt food chains for years. The Sound is also vital to local communities and national defense, increasing the urgency for accountability.

Liberty Marine has 30 days to appeal the fine. The Department of Ecology stressed that the company's negligence must be addressed. Environmental groups are calling for stronger enforcement and improved shipboard technology to prevent future spills.

The case highlights the broader need to reduce reliance on dirty energy and support cleaner shipping practices. Some researchers are exploring natural solutions, while advocates urge individuals to back renewable energy and sustainable transport.