Amoco-Cadiz and limitation of liability for oil spill pollution: domestic and international solutions

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1985 · Va. J. Nat. Resour. Law; (United States)

OSTI ID:6208124

Rosenthal, L; Raper, C

On March 16, 1978, the supertanker Amoco Cadiz ran aground off the French coast after its steering gear failed in a storm. The ship spilled crude oil over 130 miles of the Brittany coast, severely damaging beaches and fishing grounds. It was the worst vessel-source oil pollution accident in the history of tanker transportation. In 1983, multiple suits arising from the accident were consolidated in the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The court issued its interlocutory decision on liability on April 18, 1984. It held that Standard Oil Company and two of its subsidiaries were liable without limitation for the damage caused by the accident. This note first discusses the extent of environmental damage suffered when the oil spill occurred, and the legal significance of the case. It then reviews the court's findings of fact and conclusions of law. After a summary of American and international law applicable to such accidents, the note analyzes the decision. It concludes with suggestions for improving the present domestic and international legal systems regarding oil spill pollution. 291 references.

• Research Organization: Virginia Journal of Natural Resources Law, Charlottesville
• OSTI ID: 6208124
• Journal Information: Va. J. Nat. Resour. Law; (United States), Journal Name: Va. J. Nat. Resour. Law; (United States) Vol. 5:1; ISSN VJNLD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020900* -- Petroleum-- Environmental Aspects
COASTAL REGIONS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
EUROPE
FRANCE
LAND POLLUTION
LAWSUITS
LIABILITIES
OIL SPILLS
POLLUTION
SHIPS
TANKER SHIPS
WATER POLLUTION
WESTERN EUROPE