Press Release
Government 'missing the point’ on tugs - convener
Shetland Island Council's Convener Sandy Cluness has dismissed proposals from the UK Government that emergency towage cover could be provided by the Council’s tugs based at Sullom Voe.
“This is clearly a non-starter" said Mr Cluness. "The Government seems to be missing the point that our tugs are not ocean going vessels. Although there’s no question that our tugs would help a vessel in distress, the fundamental issue here is that they are not equipped to cope with the range of shipping that we have passing through Shetland’s waters. It is essential that we have a ship of the size and capability of the Anglian Sovereign available if we are to save the islands from another Braer disaster.
"Any savings that are made out of these proposals would pale into insignificance if an incident was to happen and we couldn’t respond properly. I heard earlier this week that another Braer-type incident could cost the Shetland seafood industry as much as £500 million.
“The UK Government needs to realise that we are in a very vulnerable position with all the shipping using the seaways around Shetland. We continue to call on this coalition government to extend the existing contract until a safe alternative can be found - the protection of these islands are its responsibility. Most ministers won’t be aware of the impact a tanker grounding can have, but unfortunately, as Shetlanders, we have firsthand experience”.