SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
Current Report
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) September 10, 2003
MARITRANS INC.
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(Exact name of company as specified in its charter)
Delaware 1-9063 51-0343903
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(State or Other Jurisdiction of (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization) Identification No.)
Two Harbour Place
302 Knights Run Road
Suite 1200
Tampa, Florida 33602
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(813) 209-0600
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(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Item 5. Other Events
On September 9, 2003, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit rejected
Maritrans' claim that the double hull requirement of the Oil Pollution Act of
1990 constituted a "taking" of its single hull barges under the 5th Amendment to
the U.S. Constitution. The Court concluded that, because Congress permitted
Maritrans' vessels to operate for several years before requiring their removal
from service, Maritrans was able to recoup part of its investment in the
vessels; and therefore no taking occurred. Further, the Court ruled that because
Congress had a strong interest in protection of the environment, and because the
burden of compliance was shared by all members of the marine transportation
industry and not just Maritrans, the double hull requirement does not rise to
the level of a "regulatory taking." The Company does not plan to appeal this
decision.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
MARITRANS INC.
Date: September 12, 2003 By: /s/ Walter T. Bromfield
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Walter T. Bromfield
Chief Financial Officer