Ship to ship transfer set for the Flow

A ship to ship transfer operation is due to take place in Scapa Flow this weekend.

The transfer of Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) will take place between two vessels while at anchor in the Flow. The transfer will be conducted by leading global STS service provider, Fendercare Marine.

The tanker Arctic Princess, which is due to arrive on Friday, will transfer its cargo of LNG to a second vessel, the Excelerate, which arrived in Scapa Flow on Wednesday.

The transfer operation is due to get underway once both vessels are berthed together on Friday.

Brian Archibald, Orkney Islands Council’s Harbour Master and Head of Marine Services, said: “This will be the fourth STS operation involving LNG to take place in the Flow. It follows earlier successful LNG transfers in 2007, 2010 and 2013.

“Meticulous planning has gone into our preparations. All the agencies involved have taken part in a detailed run-through of every aspect of the operation.”

A Notice to Mariners has been issued which advises that a 500 metre exclusion zone will be in place while the vessels are moving and during the STS transfer operation.