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On the 6th July 2009, following a restructure of the departments within Orkney Islands Council, a new division was launched under the auspices of Marine Services which incorporates the Harbour Authority, Orkney Towage and Orkney Ferries.
Orkney Islands Council Division of Marine Services as the Competent Harbour Authority (CHA) is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the 29 piers and harbours located throughout the Orkney Islands under their jurisdiction and operate under the principles set out in the Port Marine Safety Code.
The range of ports and harbours within Marine Services are both varied and diverse; from the Oil Port of Scapa Flow that hosts multiple ship to ship transfer operations of crude oil and vessels serving the Flotta Oil Terminal, to the major harbours of Kirkwall and Stromness that receive on average 70 cruise Ships annually making Orkney the most popular cruise ship destination in Scotland, to the remote island facilities of North and South Isles which receive almost daily lifeline services from our fleet of 13 Inter Island Ferries carrying over 320,000 passengers annually.
Scottish mainland ro-ro ferry services via Northlink Ferries operate on a daily basis to the ports of Aberdeen, Lerwick from Hatston and Scrabster from Stromness; a container service operates twice weekly from Lerwick and Aberdeen to Kirkwall.
In addition to the larger vessels using the port facilities, there is a strong commercial inshore fishing fleet located throughout the islands as well as the ever increasing pleasure craft fleet some of which call into our 3 Marinas in Kirkwall, Stromness and Westray... Berthing and landing facilities are provided throughout the islands to meet the needs for these sectors.
Marine Services provides all pilot launch and pilotage services directly as well as Vessel Traffic Services for Scapa Flow and approaches and the Kirkwall Harbour area.
The emergence of the Renewable Energy sector in Orkney and the awarding of Crown Estate leases in Orkney waters this autumn, will add to the considerable growth that this industry has witnessed in recent months.
Orkney is firmly placed on the map as the centre for the development of wave and tidal Renewable Energy in the United Kingdom. This places Towage Services based in Scapa, as a key logistical element in the installation and servicing of Renewable Energy devices in Orkney waters. In recent months, Towage services have experienced increased activity in the installation and servicing of wave and tidal devices and the utilisation of quayside for energy device construction has been significant.
We hope that within this website you will find information that will assist you in the planning of a visit to any of the port facilities that we are proud to operate.
Scapa Flow History
Much of the following is taken from Charles Tait's 'The Orkney Guide Book' (ISBN 0951785958):
Although long used as a transport route and a fishery and mentioned many times in the Viking Saga's it was not until the 16th century that Alexander Lindsay, pilot for James V of Scotland, did a survey of Orkney waters, including Scapa Flow. The name itself derives from the Old Norse Skalpeidfloi – bay of the long valley isthmus.
In 1812 Scapa Flow was suggested as a temporary rendezvous of the Royal Navy. In the same year the United States had declared war against Britain and this caused the first recent coastal defences to be built around Scapa Flow. Hackness Martello Tower and Battery, along with another tower on the north side at Crockness, were built between 1813 and 1815 to guard Longhope against attack by privateers supporting the United States during the Napoleonic wars. Due to the action of French Privateers in the English Channel many ships were taking the westabout route through the Pentland Firth. Ships collected at Longhope until a warship escort arrived and were vulnerable to attack during this time. The 33ft high towers contain living accommodation for the gun crew, a magazine below and a revolving gun carriage on top. The 24-pounder gun thus had a 360 degree arc of fire and a very good view of any approaching ships. The battery nearby had 8 24-pounder guns covering Switha and Cantick Sounds and was protected by an embankment and stone parapet. In 1866 the guns were replaced with 68-pounders firing through embrasures.
In 1905 the Admiralty became more interested in using Scapa Flow as a base for the Home Fleet. Before World War I the Navy held exercises in most years, often involving up to 100 ships. Just before the start of the war the Grand Fleet put to sea and dispersed to Scapa. Nothing yet had been done to render the harbour secure against attack and the fleet was continually under threat of U-boats or even a daring destroyer attack. Gradually defences were improved with 21 block-ships sunk at the eastern approaches, anti-submarine nets suspended between long lines of herring drifters, boom defences and various guns mounted on coastal positions.
The Northern Patrol covered the sea area between Iceland, Scotland and Norway, and intercepted 15,000 ships during World War I. This effective blockade was carried out by the 10th Cruiser squadron, most of which were armed merchant ships.
There were also tragic allied losses during World War I in the Scapa Flow area. In June 1916 Lord Kitchener, the Minister of War, arrived in Scapa Flow on his way to Russia to confer with the Czar's government. He left on board the 11,000 ton HMS Hampshire on 5th June and took the unusual westerly route due to the unseasonably bad weather. This weather had also prevented mine-sweeping in the area and it was a mine that caused the ship to sink with the loss of all but 12 of her company. In Scapa Flow itself an internal explosion caused HMS Vanguard to blow up with the loss of all but two of her crew, over 1,000 men, on 9th July 1917.
Twenty two years later at the start of World War II, the battleship HMS Royal Oak was sunk at her moorings by a torpedo from a U-boat. The sinking resulted in the loss of 833 men and boys out of a total of about 1200. The means of sinking drew attention to the inadequacy of the protection around Scapa Flow. Many of the blockships sunk in World War I had been shifted by the tide or had disintegrated. More blockships had been procured and there were plans for further coastal defences but these had not yet been put in place.
The possibility of permanently blocking the eastern entrance to Scapa Flow was considered even before World War I but it wasn't until 6 months after the sinking of the Royal Oak that a plan was finally approved. In the meantime a further 13 blockships had been sunk. The Civil contractors Balfour Beatty were given the task of creating the four Churchill Barriers. This eventually employed 1700 men, including some Italian Prisoners of War, cable ways that had been used to build a bridge over the river Tigris in Iraq and power stations, railways and quarries. A total of nearly 1 million cubic metres of rock were used in their construction and they were clad with 36,500 5 ton blocks and 15,000 10 ton blocks.
Although not officially opened until May 1945 i.e. at the war's; end, as early as 1942 the rock filled wire baskets were breaking the water surface and preventing any further entry of submarines in an effective, definitive way.
Scapa Flow continues to attract the world's navies, with NATO exercises and one-off visits still occurring. However, it has been the development of the oil terminal on Flotta, started in 1974 and operational two years later, which has brought some of the biggest ships afloat, huge oil carriers, into the great natural harbour. For similar reasons it is the available depth and shelter which has seen proposals for a container transhipment hub in Scapa Flow, able to accommodate ships not yet built but too deep and/or too wide for many of the world's existing ports.
Staff Profiles
Mr David Sawkins, Interim Director Marine Services
David was appointed Head of Marines Services (Support) on the 1st April 2009 having previously been the Ferry Services Manager for Orkney Ferries since 2005.
David, who holds a BSc(hons) degree in engineering and management studies, was previously the Divisional Manager in engineering services, marine operations with Shetland Islands Council prior to joining Orkney Ferries.
In April 2011 David was appointed Interim Director of Marine Services and is responsible to the Chief Executive Orkney Islands Council, for the day to day marine operations and marine support functions
Mr John Orr, Head of Marine Services (Port Development)
With over 40 years experience in all areas of civil engineering design, construction and management, John was appointed Head of Marine Services (Port Development) on the 3rd March 2010. Previously Head of Environmental and Engineering Services at Orkney Islands Council, John who holds a BSc. in civil engineering has worked in the UK and overseas with consultants, contractors and in the Public Sector. John is heavily involved in the piers and harbours upgrades and new developments planned to serve the emerging renewables industry and other service areas.
Mr Brian Pottinger, Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) and Berthing Manager
Previously Brian worked for Orkney Ferries Ltd for 8 years sailing as Chief Officer for 4 years before joining the Orkney Harbours Team in 2000 as a Marine Officer.
In 2004, he was promoted to Assistant Oil Pollution / Safety / Marine Officer and following a restructure in 2005 became the VTS Manager prior to taking up his current position.
Brian's portfolio oversees the provision and development of the port VTS and the co-ordination of services for vessel arrivals and departures. He is also the line manager for all pier staff and is responsible for Port Security where he is the designated Port Facility Security Officer.
Brian holds a Diploma in Port Management with accreditation in managing cargo operations in port.
Captain Abul Alam, Head of Operations (Ferry and Towage)
Captain Alam is a Master Mariner (FGN) with twenty five years of experience over various capacities on board Ro-Ros, Bulk Carriers, VLCCs, and General Cargo and Multi-purpose vessels.
He started his sea career following 2 years pre-sea Cadet training from Bangladesh Marine Academy. He also studied for his professional degrees in Cork Ireland, Fleetwood and South Tyneside College. He served in several shipping companies with the last one being for 14 years with Barber Ship Management. Prior to moving ashore, he sailed as Master nearly 5 years on board Car Carriers / Ro-Ro vessels owned by NYK and K-Line.
Having worked as a Nautical Lecturer in NAFC Marine centre, Shetland for a year he then took up the position of Deputy Marine Superintendent with Orkney Ferries in 2006. After the launch of the Local Authority's Marine Services division in 2009, he was appointed as Marine Superintendent. In April 2011, Captain Alam was selected as Head of Operations to oversee the operations of RORO passenger ferries and tugs of Orkney Ferries and Orkney Towage Ltd
Captain Iain MacIver, Marine Superintendent
Captain MacIver has significant past experience in the operation of Ro-Ro and passenger ferry services as a STCW ll/2 Master both in management ashore and management at sea. He was recently employed with Pentland Ferries as Designated Person Ashore & Company Security Officer and prior to that he worked for Orkney Ferries for 15 years sailing as Mate and Master.
His responsibilities with Orkney Marine Services will include safety, manning and line management responsibilities for sea staff, auditing vessels and maintaining the Company Safety Management System.
Captain Alistair Wylie, Marine Superintendent
Alistair came ashore in 2010 from Ferry Services to assist as a Superintendent for the Tugs, Pilot Boats, Ferries and Launches that make up the Orkney Islands Council Marine Services Fleet.
He has spent 35 years at sea, 32 of which he has served with Orkney Ferries; and of these 22 years he has served as Master.
Mr Kevin Bain, Port Marine Safety / Counter Pollution Manager
Kevin joined the Department of Harbours in 2006 as a Marine Officer, having spent 12 years as a Navigating Officer in the Merchant Navy.
In 2007 he was promoted to the position of Port Safety/Counter Pollution Manager with the responsibilities of ensuring the readiness of the Division to respond to pollution incidents and also to maintain the Divisions Safety Management System and related documentation.
Additionally Kevin is the Health and Safety Manager for Marine Services.
Miss Hazel Stephen, Office Manager
Hazel has been with the Department of Harbours since 1976 and is one of the Councils longest serving employees having served under 5 Directors of Harbours. After spending 8 years as a clerical assistant and 2 years as secretary, she was promoted to Administration Support.
Hazel is responsible for personnel matters, sales and purchase ledgers, budget control, and the day to day administration duties of the Marine Services Division.
Mr Michael Morrison, Business Development Manager
Michael is the first Business Development Manager to be appointed to the Marine Services Division. He joined the Service in January of 2009 having previously been the General Manager for Loganair at Kirkwall Airport.
An Orcadian by birth, Michael spent 13 years in the British Army and then worked residential property in England and Scotland before spending 11 years in the Far East in Business Development and Project Management.
Michael is responsible for revenue generation and market awareness for all facets of the Ports Estates, Inter Island Ferry and Towage Services.
At Orkney Harbours we recognise that the people we employ are our greatest asset. We therefore seek to attract the best people, provide them with the opportunities to develop their skills and encourage them to make their career with us. Working for Orkney Harbours could take you further than you ever thought possible.
Career development is fundamental to our success. It promotes a culture of continuous self-development; provides a stimulus for personal and business growth; complements our appraisal process; and, importantly, supports an individual's ongoing development plans.
Orkney Harbours is always looking for individuals with exceptional talent coupled with business experience. If your background is in any of the areas of port operations, and you would like to pursue a career with Orkney Harbours, please contact us at harbours@orkney.gov.uk with your CV.
Orkney Harbours is an equal opportunities employer and no terminology in these adverts is intended to discriminate on any grounds. We confirm that we will gladly accept applications from any persons matching the skills requirements for these roles.
It is unlawful for us to employ a person who does not have permission to live and work in the UK. Unless the adverts state otherwise, please ensure you have this permission before applying as documentary evidence will be required.
