Crude oil tanker could be set for long-term stay

The huge, Greek-registered, crude oil tanker Alsace is pictured arriving in Scapa Flow earlier this week, where it is believed that it could remain for some time.

In the past, Scapa Flow has been used by companies as an attractive sheltered location to store large volumes of oil in tankers, until the oil price increases. With the current low price of oil, there is speculation here in Orkney that this could well be the case with the arrival of the tanker.

However, when asked if this was the case with the Alsace, the local harbour authority – OIC Marine Services – said that it could not comment due to “commercial confidentiality.”

The 331-metre vessel, which has the capacity to carry over two million barrels of oil, is pictured being escorted into the Flow on Tuesday by Orkney Towage tugs.