Question reference: S5W-35333
- Asked by: Ross Greer, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Green Party
- Date lodged: 18 February 2021
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Current status: Answered by Paul Wheelhouse on 16 March 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, following reports of a serious incident at Hunterston Jetty on 2 February 2021, how it plans to work with stakeholders to ensure that (a) the incident is fully investigated and (b) action is taken to prevent future incidents from taking place.
Answer
Shipping safety is a matter reserved to the UK Government. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) undertook General Inspections on the Ensco DS-8 vessel on 9 February and on the Valaris DS-4 vessel on 10 February. During these inspections a number of deficiencies were noted and enforcement notices issued.
With regard to formal investigation, the decision whether to formally investigate lies with the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) as the UK’s marine accident investigation authority. I understand that they will not be conducting a full investigation into this incident. The Port Authority, Peel Ports, will be undertaking their own investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The MCA are continuing to liaise with the operator of the vessels, the vessels’ Flag State, the vessels’ Class Society and the Port Authority to determine if there has been any breach of Merchant Shipping legislation.
The Scottish Government expects the highest shipping safety standards and for these to be followed by those accessing our unique and fragile coastal areas.