News / Tensions rise at Sullom Voe meeting
TENSIONS surfaced at Shetland’s oil port of Sullom Voe on Thursday when the local council tried to find a way to guarantee a round the clock traffic service for visiting tankers.
On 9 August the port’s Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) was left unmanned for the first time in the council-run port’s 33 year history, raising concerns that current measures to save money and cut jobs are putting safety at risk.
Shetland Islands Council’s harbour master Roger Moore warned the authority’s harbour board the same situation could arise if more VTS staff were not employed.
He suggested training up an extra officer and appointing a supervisor to ensure no repeat of the situation where an officer called in sick and no one was available to replace them.
Until recently the VTS was operated by the port’s tanker pilots. That was changed when the number of pilots was reduced to save money with the decline in North Sea oil throughput.
Five full time VTS officers were recruited on much reduced salaries to replace the pilots, but having just one officer on shift at any one time makes the system vulnerable, Captain Moore said.
On Thursday board member Jim Tait suggested it might be cheaper if the pilots provided a back up.
But when he asked to hear the views of pilots attending the meeting, he was told it was not appropriate.
Executive director Gordon Greenhill said the pilots were there as members of the public and might have to be paid overtime if asked to comment.
Mr Tait retorted: “We are living in a democracy, everybody has the right to free speech and we want as much information as possible so we can make a good decision.”
Instead the board agreed to meet the pilots in private after the meeting, with board chairman Robert Henderson pointing out this was “a delicate issue”.
Tensions are high between staff and management as measures to save £1 million in running costs are implemented. Tug crews are currently balloting on industrial action after rejecting a proposal on changes to pay and conditions.
Harbour board vice chairman Alastair Cooper said it was important that the situation on 9 August was not repeated.
“I want to be in a position where we can reassure the community of Shetland that we are doing everything we can to run a safe and efficient port and keep the environment of Shetland in the way it’s been maintained for the past 30 years,” he said.
“I think it’s important for this board to debate in public, however unsavoury it may be to some. We need to show the community of Shetland this is open and transparent and we care every bit as much as everyone else about this environment.”
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