Relief as ship-to-ship oil transfer scheme for Forth is scrapped

CONTROVERSIAL proposals for ship-to-ship oil transfers in the Firth of Forth were rejected yesterday in a move applauded by environmental campaigners and politicians from all parties.

Forth Ports confirmed it had refused permission for the transfers, admitting the strength of public opinion against them had been pivotal in the decision.

The proposals would have seen almost eight million tonnes of Russian crude oil pumped between tankers each year, and had raised fears of an environmentally catastrophic spill.

The announcement comes as the row continues over where control over the marine environment should rest, with the Scottish Government adamant it should have the final say. New regulations are currently being consulted on at Westminster, following a Private Members Bill by Mark Lazarowicz, the Edinburgh North and Leith MP.

The RSPB said last night it was delighted that "common sense prevailed" and called for the introduction of "specific marine legislation".

The Marine Conservation Society said it was "thrilled that the internationally important habitats" would be protected.

The application for the transfers had been made by SPT Marine Services. Ian Laws, its managing director, said the firm was "extremely disappointed" at the decision, but that there were currently no plans to appeal it.

Charles Hammond, the chief executive of Forth Ports, said the organisation had consulted heavily over the last three years with numerous interested parties and had commissioned an in-depth technical study.

The plan would have seen oil pumped between tankers anchored five miles off the coast. Local councils, residents and environmental groups had opposed the plans, fearing an oil spill. The area is home to internationally important wildlife, including breeding seabirds and wintering waterfowl.

Mr Hammond said the investigations had established that ship-to-ship transfers could be done "in certain circumstances" in the Forth without affecting the environment.

But he continued: "Commercially, as a public company, we have had to look at the project as a whole and we believe, given the uncertain scope of the project, taking account of the views of all the interested parties and looking at the number of other projects we are involved in, it's not in the interests of the company or shareholders to proceed with the application."

He said the firm had considered the level of public opposition to the scheme, and was also concerned that the scale of the project was unclear. He said it could not be established how many vessels might be involved and without such information it was unclear what level of resources would have to be committed to the project.

Mr Hammond denied that the authority had been pressured into turning down the application by the SNP administration, insisting: "This is a decision we took of our own accord."

He added that Forth Ports would not be considering applications for ship-to-ship transfers until the regulatory system had been straightened out.

Alex Salmond, the First Minister, said: "I strongly welcome the fact that Forth Ports are not going ahead with the controversial ship-to-ship transfers in the estuary."

Richard Lochhead, the cabinet secretary for rural affairs and the environment, said the announcement was "the right decision for Scotland and the right decision for Forth Ports".

He said: "I am pleased that they made this balanced judgment. I am grateful to Forth Ports for their constructive engagement with the Scottish Government and with the Scottish Parliament on this issue."

KEY FIGURES BACK MOVE

"The Fife coastline is an internationally important area, and any accident during ship-to-ship oil transfers would have put this valuable environment at risk"

Dan Barlow, acting director of WWF Scotland

"I hope that this marks the beginning of a long line of decisions to protect our wonderful natural heritage"

Erich Hoyt, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society

"The plans meant high risks but no gain for us. No money or jobs were on the table"

Dave Berry, leader of East Lothian Council

"The meetings with ministers, the many letters and phone calls now seem very worthwhile"

John MacDougall, MP for Glenrothes