Plans for ship to ship oil transfers in the Forth, Alba/Scotland are likely to be blocked following protests from a number of areas, including the Celtic League.

The issue first came to light in 2005, when SPT Marine Services made an application to the then Labour led Scottish Executive to transfer about 7.8 million tonnes of Russian crude oil every year between tankers anchored in the Forth. A 12 week long public consultation took place, which only looked at whether plans to deal with a potential oil spill were in place. This was despite the fact that there were thousands of protests, including from the League, who were conscious of the disastrous environmental consequences that an oil spill in the Forth would have.

However, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency MCA approved the oil spill plans and under pressure from Forth Ports plc (harbour authority) as both promoter and regulator of the development, a huge conflict of interest arose. This demonstrated that a Marine Act for Scotland is needed and that the Scottish Executive should be able to take the ultimate decision about whether such projects are approved. Currently Shipping matters are devolved to Westminster and specific laws to regulate ship-to-ship transfers are still in draft.

When the SNP/Green coalition came to Government in May 2007, the Celtic League reported that the application for oil transfers in the Forth was put on hold by the new Executive, whereas the previous Labour administration had been seriously considering supporting the plans. The SNP/Labour coalition almost immediately requested talks with the Westminster Government for new legislation to be passed that would allow Scotland to block any such future proposals.

Now Westminster Shipping Minister Jim Fitpatrick has given way to pressure and has pledged to bring forward new regulations to change the law on marine oil transfers. However, no Marine Act for Scotland is yet to be seen on the horizon and if Scotland is to have the final decision on how its coasts and environment are to be protected, further devolution is now needed if potential future disasters are to averted in waiting for Westminster to act.

(Article prepared by Rhisiart Tal-e-bot)

J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

01/02/08

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