Terminal emits black smoke

SULLOM Voe Terminal operator EnQuest have moved to reassure local residents that the plant is operating as normal and that the increased amount of black smoke coming from the flare stack is nothing to worry about.

Several people have contacted Shetland News wondering what was going on after witnessing the smoke on Friday afternoon.

A spokeswoman for the terminal said that the plant was undergoing a “planned shut down of its steam system”.

Steam is usually injected into the flame of flare stacks to help reduce the formation of black smoke.

The spokeswoman said that the work on the steam plant is scheduled to take between seven and 10 days after which it will go back to normal.

All relevant authorities have been informed, she said.