News / Shell pulls out of Scatsta airport
SHETLAND MSP Tavish Scott has called on Shell to explain its sudden change in safety policy after the oil company confirmed it is withdrawing from Scatsta airport later this year.
The LibDem politician said the move sent out the wrong message in the wake of numerous helicopter incidents in the north of Scotland over recent years.
On Wednesday, Shell said that as of October it would transfer oil workers by helicopter directly from Aberdeen to its oil installations in the northern North Sea.
The move leaves a question mark over the future of the Integrated Aviation Consortium, which also includes CNR, BP, Petrofac and BP Sullom Voe.
A five-year deal to provide helicopter services from Scatsta was awarded to Bristow Helicopters in October 2010. The contract comes to an end later this year.
Scott said he would “immediately be seeking an explanation” from Shell for the move.
“This seems to be a reversal of the policy the oil industry said they were going to follow after the many incidents with helicopters,” he said.
“I had expected them to use more fixed wings for the longer leg of journeys and then use helicopters for the shorter part, such as from Scatsta to the oil rigs.
“I am very concerned by this, both from the point of view of the arguments the workforce has been making but also potentially losing business from Shetland. This is a terrible announcement.
“I also want to be reassured by BP and the other partners that their operations in Shetland will continue.”
RMT regional organiser Jack Molloy said oil workers would face longer helicopter flights with some apprehension but would be relieved to be able to get home quicker.
In a short statement issued on Wednesday afternoon Shell said that flying its workers directly from Aberdeen rather than Scatsta would help reduce operational cost.
A company spokeswoman said: “Shell can confirm that it is withdrawing from the Integrated Aviation Consortium.
“From October 2015, offshore workers will travel to Shell’s operations in the northern North Sea direct from Aberdeen on helicopters operated by CHC Helicopters.
“The move will improve operational efficiency and is part of a number of initiatives that Shell is actively pursuing to improve the competitive performance of the business.”
BP said the company was aware of Shell’s move and had no further comment to make.
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