22 May 2012
Waveney MP Peter Aldous today commented as a Delegated Legislation Committee met in the House of Commons to discuss proposals relation to the ship-to-ship transfer (STS) of oil on the East Coast.

The Delegated Legislation Committee sat between 1630 and 1720 today and although there were objections to the Southwold area being designated as the sole area for STS the motion was passed by the Committee.

Under the last Government the Regulatory Policy Committee considered the case for prohibiting ship to ship transfers in UK waters and concluded that there was no case for banning the practice given that it is well regulated and has an excellent safety record. On this evidence Mr Aldous and other MPs called on the Government not to proceed with the ban.

Due to public concern an extensive Consultation took place, after which, the Minister reaffirmed that the case for banning oil transfers had not been made.

One consequence of a ban would be to drive STS transfers to just outside the current twelve mile limit and beyond UK regulatory control. The East has been the sole area for the majority of oil transfers on the UK coastline since 2002 and these changes simply legalise current arrangements.

Transfers have taken place on the East Coast and in recent years as the area is strategically well located for ships travelling from the Baltic to transfer to larger vessels. This has meant that businesses in the area have built up an expertise in the safe handling of oil which they have taken around the world and which has provided employment for local people. Other local businesses supply the legally required rapid response equipment to deal with any problems tankers may encounter.

The practice of STS is tightly regulated and those involved in the transfers are highly trained and monitored by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Since 2008 approximately 800 ship-to-ship transfers have been undertaken in UK waters outside harbour authority areas, with no spills recorded. The Regulatory Policy Committee found that in the ten year period up to 2008 the largest oil spill in the world as a result of an STS transfer was the equivalent of 1 cubic metre.

Transfers typically now happen at the fringes of the 12 mile UK regulated waters and if banned ships would either need to come into port, which itself carries its own risks, or conduct the transfer just outside territorial waters, where the Government has no authority to prevent or control the activity.

Whilst at the current time there are relatively few transfers taking place off our coast, in the past operators involved in STS have generated many local jobs both directly and indirectly, employing local seafarers and putting money into our local economy.

Commenting on the Committee’s decision Mr Aldous said:
“I am pleased that the Committee has come to a sensible decision this afternoon. Whilst it is totally understandable that local people are concerned about tourism and our shores, the East Coast is already the main location for this practice and the legislation changes little other than guaranteeing its regulation. At a time when it is essential that we protect local jobs and businesses there needs to be a strong evidence base before considering banning the practice.”