Whether it can take steps to prevent the Port of Cromarty Firth from issuing a license for ship-to-ship oil transfers, in light of the conc…

The Port of Cromarty Firth is not the competent authority for issuing licences for ship to ship oil transfers. That role is reserved to the UK Government under the Merchant Shipping (Ship to Ship) Regulations 2010, as amended. If invited to be a formal consultation body by UK Ministers on future ship to ship licence applications in Scottish waters, the Scottish Government will respond appropriately, following careful consideration of the application, its implications for the marine environment and any concerns from local communities.