Orkney Islands Council : Tankers complete LNG transfer

A ship to ship transfer of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has been completed successfully between two vessels at anchor in Scapa Flow.

In the fourth operation of its kind to take place in the Flow, the LNG was transferred between the tankers Excelerate and Arctic Princess.

Picture by Andrew Shields

The transfer was conducted by leading global STS service provider, Fendercare Marine, with support from Orkney Islands Council Marine Services' pilots and launch crews and three Orkney Towage tugs.

Due to extreme weather conditions the operation was suspended at the weekend before the transfer began. Once conditions improved, the transfer got underway earlier this week.

Brian Archibald, the Council's Harbour Master and Head of Marine Services, Engineering and Transportation, said: 'All involved worked together to ensure that this was a safe and well executed operation.

'We are pleased that the transfer of LNG was undertaken successfully, supported by our skilled teams in safe anchorage of Scapa Flow.'

Both ships are expected to leave the Flow later today (Friday).