Accommodation ships leaving

PETROFAC appears to be reducing its workforce at the almost complete Shetland Gas Plant as accommodation ships are starting to leave the isles.

On Sunday night the 140 metre Ocean Atlantic left her berth at Victoria Pier heading back to the river Ems in Germany.

Lerwick Port Authority confirmed on Monday that the other accommodation ship currently berthed at the port, the 110 metre Sea Discoverer, is set to leave for the same destination early next week.

Meanwhile the 167 metre accommodation ship Gemini is due to leave Scalloway by the middle of September.

A council spokeswoman said on Monday that they had received no indication that her stay would be extended.

“Petrofac have to give us at least a week’s notice if they want to remain in port longer,” she said.

By the close of office on Monday Petrofac had not responded to a request to clarify their plans.

Last week, gas plant owner Total said it had now reached the pre-commissioning stage of the £800 million plant.