A Dutch shipbuilding company has reached a €150,000 settlement with the Dutch Public Prosecution Service (OM). The case concerns the use of Myanmar teak that does not comply with the European Timber Regulation (EUTR). This regulation imposes strict requirements on the origin and control of timber to prevent illegal logging.
Photo: Dreamstime.
Investigation into non-compliant timber
In March 2022, the prosecution launched a criminal investigation into Oceanco after it emerged that Myanmarese teak had been used in the construction of a superyacht. Although the wood for the deck had correct documentation, teak in furniture and finishing materials on board did not comply with EUTR requirements.
The EUTR prohibits the import of illegally harvested timber and places responsibility on companies to carefully verify its origin. This is extra strictly enforced for timber from Myanmar, as it is almost impossible to verify its legal origin.
Suppliers from Turkey and Germany
The investigation found that the non-compliant timber came to Oceanco via a Turkish woodworking firm. The company had an obligation to verify the origin of the timber, but this was not done, which meant that the legality of the material could not be established.
Oceanco said it had no intention of breaking the rules. Since 2019, the company has had a policy of not using Myanmar teak in new projects. The yacht for which the teak was used was already under construction before this policy took effect.
Source: Nautique