Overview
Orkney Harbour Authority requires that certain vessels (primarily loaded tankers) navigating in the Hoxa Sound / Scapa Flow areas are escorted by tugs. The requirements are based on the quantity of pollutants carried and are outlined in the table below.
| Area* | Quantity of Pollutants | Number of Tugs | Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | >5,000 tonnes | 1 | Standby |
| B | >5000 tonnes | 1 | Passive |
| B | >15,000 tonnes | 2 | Minimum 1 active |
| B | >170,000 tonnes | 3 | Minimum 1 active |
| C | >15,000 tonnes | 2 | Passive |
| C | >170,000 tonnes | 2 | Minimum 1 active |
| *see map below (the above table also applies to LNG vessels). | |||
The master and pilot have the authority to dispense with a tug escort in area 'C' should they consider it appropriate. It is also recommended that ballasted tankers are accompanied by a tug escort as follows:
- Area A 1 tug standby
- Area B 1 tug on active mode
- Area C 1 tug on passive mode
For the purpose of tug escorts, a pollutant is defined as crude oil or heavy bunker fuel.
For further details on Pilotage services please contact:
Capt. Alistair Wylie, Depurt harbour Master Operations,
Harbour Authority Building, Scapa, Orkney, KW15 1SD
Tel: +44 (0)1856 8736360
Fax: +44 (0)1856 873012
Email: alistair.wylie@orkney.gov.uk
Tug Escort Areas Within Scapa Flow
