Forth ships oil transfers axe is hailed

Published on Saturday 2 February 2008 10:03

CAMPAIGNERS today hailed the "best news possible" for the Firth of Forth after controversial ship-to-ship oil transfers were dropped.

Forth Ports has ruled out the project, despite insisting ship-to-ship transfers could be carried out safely in the estuary.

However, forthcoming UK and Scottish legislation looked set to scupper the plans to pump 7.8 million tonnes of Russian crude each year between tankers anchored in the Firth of Forth.

City Labour MP Mark Lazarowicz said: "It is a very welcome decision, but not a total surprise given the legislative changes that are afoot.

"I am confident that the bill being put forward by the Government will see all of our environmental concerns addressed

"I would be surprised to see a proposal of this type brought forward again in the Firth of Forth. This is a big victory for everyone who was against these plans."

Lothians Green MSP Robin Harper said: "This is the best news possible for the environment in the Forth."