A ship to ship transfer of liquefied natural gas has been completed in Orkney.
Around 70,000 cubic metres of LNG was transferred from the tanker Ben Badis to a second vessel, the Excel, while at anchor alongside each other in Scapa Flow.
The operation, which took 39 hours to complete, was conducted on behalf of ship charterers Vitol and involved ship operator MOL, ship to ship specialists SPT, pilots and launch crews from Orkney Islands Council’s Marine Services and three tugs from Orkney Towage.
Stephen Davidson, LNG Vice President for SPT , the service provider which planned, organised and directed the STS transfer, said: “All involved worked together to ensure that this was a safe and successful operation.”
Orkney Islands Council Harbour Master David Sawkins said: “Safety was always our prime consideration, with detailed multi-agency planning that considered every aspect of the operation in advance of it taking place.
“We are pleased that this transfer of LNG has been carried out according to plan, supported by our skilled teams in the sheltered waters of Scapa Flow.”