Port Authority is 'doing everything it can to help local residents'
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A PORT authority accused of ignoring a community stricken by months of “distressing” noise pollution from oil rigs insists it is doing everything it can to help local residents.
Townsfolk in Cromarty have complained of persistent sleep deprivation through loud noise and vibrations emanating from the giant structures just offshore.
There are also fears the rigs left idle during the current oil and gas industry downturn are harming tourism and the local economy.
But responding to fresh criticism from the action group Cromarty Rising, the Port of Cromarty Firth (PoCF) stressed it was legally bound to provide a safe haven for rigs.
Protesters challenged the PoCF to acknowledge to act in good faith by pledging to berth the noisiest rigs at anchorage points farthest from shore.
But chief executive Bob Buskie claims the PoCF’s hands are tied by complex factors determining where rigs can be located.
He said: “We work closely with nine communities surrounding the Cromarty Firth and engage through quarterly meetings. Our policy is one of engagement and dialogue.
“The port’s annual public meeting this year will take place virtually due to Covid-19 restrictions, so anyone can join.
“Anchoring rigs safely is an essential requirement for the trust port. Anchorage points are chosen by rig owners and insurance companies, in conjunction with the port.
“It is a complex decision based on factors including vessel draft and water depth, proximity to where work may be undertaken, availability of anchorage locations and the nature of the seabed.
“Very strict criteria ensures the integrity and safety of the rig and surrounding environment.
“We also take local concerns into account and work with rig managers to minimise potential noise disturbance.
“We are not able to relocate a rig at any time after it has been anchored as this would cost hundreds of thousands of pounds and create potential risks.
“Rig owners often change the length of time a rig will be anchored ... and whether it will be cold or warm stacked (idle, but operational) at very short notice. These market-driven decisions are outwith PoCF’s control.
“There are currently six rigs anchored off Cromarty. Three have been unmanned with no activity on-board. Three have arrived in the current downturn.
“The firth’s seabed conditions play a big part in the selection of anchorage. The area off Cromarty has been tested over the last 40 years and shown to be a safe location particularly for jack-up rigs.
“Towards Invergordon, the seabed... is less suitable.”
Mr Buskie emphasised the crucial nature of the PoCF’s service to the oil and gas industry at a time of UK recession.
He added: “A Highlands and Islands Enterprise study found that, locally, one in six people are employed in port-related activity.
“It’s important we support this industry and the key workers within it who provide our critical energy supplies.
“This is more acute given the economic recession and severe job losses across the country.
“As a trust port and statutory harbour authority, we have a legal obligation to serve vessels including oil rigs 24/7, 365 days a year.
“We expect a number of rigs to leave the Firth by the year-end.”
