10-07-03

“Risk of moving US Fleet through Scottish waters must be fully considered” – Barrett

John Barrett, Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, today raised concerns over proposals to tow former US naval ships, thought to contain toxic chemicals, across the Atlantic and around Scotland to the Teeside shipyard.

Liberal Democrat MPs, Alistair Carmichael and John Thurso have already written to the Transport Minister to voice their concerns about the ships travelling through the Pentland Firth, between their respective Orkney and Caithness constituencies.  However, the ships would also have to travel through the North Sea, passing by the east coast of Scotland.

Some 94 redundant US navy ships are expected to be towed over from North America to Teeside for final decommissioning.  Reports have suggested the vessels are badly contaminated with toxic PCBs, oil and asbestos and are carrying substantial amounts of fuel oil.

In a statement, John Barrett MP said:

"By any measure, the transportation of these ships represents a major threat to Scotland's marine environment.  You have to wonder why it is even necessary to bring the contaminated vessels half way around for the world for a decommissioning process which could surely be carried out in America.

"If we have learnt anything from previous disasters off our shores then surely a full risk assessment should be carried out before any final decision is taken.  People who are concerned about the impact which these ships could have on Scotland's waters deserve nothing less."

ENDS