News / Ship to ship concerns
NORTHERN isles MP Alistair Carmichael has raised local concerns over planned changes to the rules governing ship to ship (STS) oil transfers with transport minister Mike Penning.
Regulations introduced under the last government were seen by many people as unnecessarily punitive, and as increasing costs without improving environmental safeguards.
It is also thought that unduly restrictive legislation would lead to ships choosing to make transfers outside of the 12 mile limit. After the election, the coalition announced that the implementation of the new rules would be delayed to allow for further consultation.
During the meeting this week, Mr Carmichael reiterated his commitment to marine conservation and stressed the growing importance of the shipping industry to Orkney and Shetland.
He said the minister was receptive to the concerns raised and praised the work that has already been done in the northern isles to reduce the likelihood of accidental pollution at sea.
Afterwards Mr Carmichael said: “Events from the Braer disaster to the recent spill in the Gulf of Mexico underline the need for an effective and transparent system of regulation to protect our oceans.
“The potential for spillage during STS transfers is significant, with oil products being pumped at high pressure, and it is only right that the government should take appropriate action to reduce the likelihood of accidental pollution from these activities.
“However it is important that any new legislation is balanced and proportionate. If regulations are overly harsh then ship owners may decide to avoid them simply by carrying out the procedure outside the 12 mile limit, making it more difficult to control operations and to scrutinise the actions of ships effectively.
“This would increase the risk of environmental damage and also take money out of our local economy. Our ports have a strong green record and it would be wrong to penalise them for the actions of others elsewhere in the country.
“During our meeting the minister took on board the points I made and was clear in his view that new legislation – in whatever form it comes – will take account of both the environmental and economic interests of the northern isles.”
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