Optimism surrounds deal for emergency tug cover as MP insists vessel remains on station

March 21, 2012 0

A deal is in the offing with the oil and gas industry to provide emergency tug cover to replace the coastguard vessels which will go out of service at the end of this month.

That’s the view of isles MP and government whip Alistair Carmichael, who insisted today the Anglian Sovereign remains on station after reports, including one by The Shetland Times, that her contract would expire today.

Mr Carmichael said he was optimistic a deal would be reached and people would hear the details soon. The Scotland Office funded a six-month extension to the tugs’ contracts while talks continued with the oil industry.