Emergency coastguard tug

The Orkney-based coastguard tug will continue in service for another five years.

The sole designated salvage vessel covering the north of Scotland coastline was due to be axed within weeks.

Transport Minister Robert Goodwill announced further funding would be provided.

The MV Herakles - formerly named the MV Anglian Prince - is stationed in Orkney and is very rarely used for incidents off the Western Isles.

Emergency coastguard tug funded for five years

13 July 2016

The removal of the Stornoway tug in 2012 means that it could take many hours for emergency assistance to get to a vessel in distress on the west coast.

A new contract for a single vessel stationed at Kirkwall will now be tendered.

Under the new contract, the MCA will seek to recover costs of the tug from the shipping industry wherever possible.

In the longer term, it will explore opportunities for the vessel to take on low-risk commercial work.

Any costs recovered will go towards additional patrolling and crew training, which will further enhance maritime safety around Scotland.

Robert Goodwill said: “The emergency towing vessel in Scotland saves lives and protects the Scottish coast from damaging pollution. I am delighted to confirm the UK Government has secured its future by providing funding for the next five years.

“This service is absolutely critical to ensuring emergency services can respond swiftly to incidents off the coast of Scotland.

“We have taken this decision following extensive consultation by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. This is an important measure to ensure maritime safety and pollution prevention measures in the waters around Scotland.”

The MCA review concluded the commercial towage market cannot currently reliably meet the need for a dedicated service to cover the seas around Scotland.

The vessel will help assist ships in difficulty and safeguard local communities and businesses against potential pollution incidents.

Scottish Secretary, David Mundell, said: “I am very pleased that the UK Government can guarantee the future funding of the emergency towing vessel stationed in the Northern Isles.

"The islands councils have impressed upon us how important it is to maritime safety in the area. The UK Government has listened to what they have said, and is now able to secure the funding to maintain this vital safety vessel in the north of Scotland.”