24 February 2011
Waveney MP Peter Aldous today encouraged constituents with a knowledge of maritime issues to respond to the Government’s consultation on the ship-to-ship transfer of oil before it closes on the 10th March.

Mr Aldous is urging a balanced debate on the issues as the ship-to-ship transfer of oil itself has a good safety record. But increases in shipping as a result of the East Anglian Coast being the sole destination for these vessels raises related safety issues.

Concerns have been raised including about the condition of vessels from other countries; their safety procedures and the storage of equipment to deal with an oil spill should it occur. The latter of these concerns has been addressed as the Government has announced that this equipment will now be provided in Lowestoft.

Mr Aldous said:

“I would urge those with a knowledge of maritime issues to respond to this important consultation before it closes on 10th March. The ship-to-ship transfer of oil has a good safety record and it is important not to castigate the industry as a result of a perceived risk if not borne out by evidence. But it is totally understandable that people are concerned and I am doing some research to investigate what the increase in shipping to the area is likely to be and what regulations there are in place to ensure the condition and safety procedures of these vessels.”

Mr Aldous continued:

“From the information I have received jobs would be lost in the area both directly and indirectly if this procedure was banned on our coastline. Whilst it is important to ensure our tourist industry is not damaged, it is also important to ensure decisions are made on the basis of sound evidence and that we do not jeopardise jobs without such evidence.”

The consultation closes on 10th March 2011, those wishing to respond should write to: Mike Penning at the Department for Transport, Great Minster House, 76 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DR or e-mail Godfrey.Suiter@DFT.gsi.gov.uk