Flotta Oil Terminal
In the history of Orkney's long association with the sea, the chapter covering the oil years opens in December 1976 with the arrival of the first North Sea crude at a terminal newly built on the island of Flotta. Just under four years earlier the Occidental consortium, led by the American tycoon Dr Armand Hammer, struck oil around 135 miles south east of Orkney. This was the Piper field and its discovery was soon followed by another named Claymore.
Oxy, as the consortium came to be known, decided to bring the crude ashore by pipeline. The landfall would be Flotta - a choice dictated by the surrounding waters of the Flow. In Oxy's view, the harbour that sheltered the Royal Navy through the first and second world wars had more than proved itself as a safe deep-water anchorage for the tankers that would ship oil and gas processed at the terminal to customers around the world.
Today the terminal is run by Talisman Energy (UK) Ltd and receives oil from more fields than at any other time in its history.
Operator
Talisman Energy (UK) Ltd., Flotta Oil Terminal, Flotta, Orkney, KW16 3NP
- Tel: +44 (0)1856 884201
- Fax: +44 (0)1856 884222
- Email: flotta.shippingtalisman.co.uk
Special Note
Ballast water from crude oil tankers can only be discharged ashore. Pumping ballast water directly into Scapa Flow is prohibited.
Berthing Operations
Vessels must arrive at the port with their propellers fully immersed and trimmed no more than 3 metres by the stern.
The berthing and unberthing of ships at Flotta oil terminal is carried out by the harbour's authorised pilots and tugs, and with the assistance of the terminal's mooring masters and workboats.
Information on the number of tugs available for berthing operations can be found in Towage Services.
Tugs' lines are used during berthing and unberthing operations.
Full details of each berthing or unberthing operation will be discussed during the pilot/master exchange of information.
LPG / Crude Oil Jetty
A 'T' shaped jetty capable of handling either crude oil or LPG is situated on the north coast of Flotta (see admiralty charts 35 and 2568). The minimum depth of water alongside is 20.12m and vessels of up to 170,000 tonnes DWT can be handled there.
Single Point Moorings
There are two single point moorings positioned approximately 1½ miles north of Flotta's northern coastline (see admiralty charts 35 and 2568). SPM2 (or Bravo) is not in use at present. The minimum water depth at SPM1 (or Alpha) is 23 metres and tankers of up to 200,000 tonnes DWT can be handled there.
Ships expecting to load at an SPM will be required to have, on their approach, a boarding arrangement (typically a pilot ladder/ gangway combination) for the mooring master and hose gang. Additionally, a derrick or crane (minimum 10T SWL) should be prepared for lifting equipment on the ship's port side and a good ship's mooring line is also required forward for use as a messenger for the SPM mooring.
To assist vessels in maintaining position off the SPM during their stay, a tug is secured on the stern. A good ship's line is required aft for this operation.
Terminal Services
(Further information available in the Talisman's Port Information Booklet)
Bunkers and Fresh Water
There are no facilities for vessels to either bunker or take on fresh water at the terminal. However, these services can be organised while the vessel is anchored in Scapa Flow. Fresh water and gas oil are obtainable locally but fuel oil has to be shipped into the port.
Stores
Stores may be taken on board at the terminal but not on the ships main cargo deck during cargo operations and not, in any case, without the loading master's prior consent. There are no restrictions relating to storage while anchored in Scapa Flow.
Garbage Disposal
There is a limited service for the disposal of garbage at the terminal. Again, this service may be organised while the vessel is at anchor.
Telephones
A public telephone for outgoing calls is available to vessels moored at the jetty. The telephone only accepts 'phonecards' which are available from the ship's agent.
Medical
There is a medic on site at the terminal at all times ready to deal with emergency medical situations.