Moray fishermen have warned that plans to transfer millions of tonnes of crude oil a year between tankers near the Moray Firth could have dire consequences for the region’s beaches and wildlife.
Cromarty Firth Port Authority has applied to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to carry out the transfers while vessels are anchored at the mouth of the Cromarty Firth.
Harbour chiefs say similar operations have been commonplace for years.
But fishing crews fear the move could prove disastrous for the local area, saying that a spill would send oil gushing into sea surrounding Moray, smearing beaches the length of the coast within minutes and causing an environmental and economic disaster.
The Burghead and Hopeman branch of the Scottish White Fish Producers Association attended a meeting of fellow fishermen in Nairn, where the controversial proposal was the subject of heated debate.
Group chairman Hamish McPherson has 45 years of fishing experience and skippered both the Ardent and Ardent II vessels out of Burghead.
The retiree said that during his years at sea he observed many small oil spills, and is aware of how rapidly they can expand.
“A potential spill would have devastating consequences to Moray, that oil would be on the beaches here in no time,” he said.
“It would be from Nairn up to Lossiemouth before anybody could do anything to stop it.”
The 72-year-old said a spill would also wound Moray’s seafish trade at a time when business is swelling.
He added: “There are upwards of 20 fishing boats at Burghead, and if anything were to happen that prevented them entering the Moray Firth then that would be a massive loss to the economy.
“However, our concern is not mainly for the fishing industry, but for the impact on mammals and wildlife along the seafront.
“Anything that damages the coastline would have a knock-on effect on Moray’s tourist trade too.
“Anybody in this area who is proud of its scenery and beaches should be very worried about this.”
Bob Buskie, chief executive of the Port of Cromarty Firth, has moved to downplay any concerns over the potential for a spillage.
Mr Buskie said: “This type of ‘ship to ship’ operation has been carried out in the port for many years without incident.
“We would be happy to discuss concerns with interested parties and look forward to addressing these concerns.
“The Port of Cromarty Firth takes its environmental responsibilities extremely seriously.”