Carmichael hails productive meeting about future of Sullom Voe Terminal

Discussions have been held in London over the future of Sullom Voe, with Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael stating he has held a productive meeting today with the Oil and Gas Authority.

Earlier in the day in the UK Parliament’s Energy and Climate Change Select Committee, Mr Carmichael raised the importance of the authority’s role in supporting Sullom Voe, in light of the announcement that Schiehallion oil will bypass Shetland.

Mr Carmichael said that chief executive of the Oil and Gas Authority Andy Samuels, confirmed to him and the committee that he attached great importance to the operation of Sullom Voe Terminal, and pledged to engage with the local community in shaping the terminal’s future.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Carmichael said: “I am pleased that the OGA recognise the continuing strategic importance of Sullom Voe and its significance to the Shetland economy.

“I was pleased to have this early meeting to discuss the loss of Schiehallion’s business.

“We all know that these are difficult times for the industry and the Shetland community is wary of the knock-on effect on the local economy.

“I, therefore, welcome senior figures in the OGA acknowledging the need to engage with community interests and also companies operating around Shetland.

“I hope the OGA can take these positive steps forward as they implement a long-term strategy to help the industry deal with the pressures from falling oil prices in the North Sea.

“I told the chief executive and the chairman that I would like to see high level contact between the authority and the isles and I was pleased to receive an early assurance of this.”