Environmental Policy

Under its Environmental Policy, Stornoway Port Authority requires all business units, assets and vessels operating within the confines of Stornoway Harbour to preserve the environment for the benefit of the community and to preserve the integrity of wild life habitats.  As such, dumping of any material overboard is strictly prohibited.

Under the MS Port Waste Reception Facilities Regulations, the Port Authority has developed its own Port Waste Management Plan.  This defines how the different types of waste are to be segregated for ease of disposal to the correct site.  Waste reception facilities are provided at all berths within the Harbour.  Vessels with specific waste requirements such as redundant fishing equipment, should notify the Harbour Office in advance.

Vessels intending to visit Stornoway who have Waste for disposal, should complete the relevant Waste Notification Form, and transmit same to the Harbour Office.

A holding tank for the reception of waste oil/sludge is available at No. 3 Pier east side.  Vessels wishing to use this facility should notify the Port Authority in advance, by completing the appropriate form. Small quantities of waste oil should be landed in sealed drums, for onward disposal to the shore tank.

 
Oil Spill Response

The requirement to have an Oil Spill Contingency Plan for Harbours, Ports and Oil Handling Terminals around UK waters has been formalised by the Merchant Shipping (Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation Convention) Regulations 1998, which implements the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation, 1990 (OPRC, 1990).  The convention, adopted by the International Maritime Organisation (IMP) is aimed to “mitigate the consequences of major oil pollution incidents involving, in particular, ships, offshore units, sea ports and oil handling facilities”.

Stornoway Port Authority Oil Spill Contingency Plan has been prepared in accordance with the “Oil Spill Contingency Plan Guidelines for Ports, Harbours & Oil Handling Facilities" and is approved by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency.  The MCA regularly carry out audits on this Plan to ensure compliance and effectiveness in responding to an Oil Pollution incident.

Where there is any spillage of an oil based substance which is likely to impact on the marine environment, you should notify the Harbour Master immediately, so that Oil Spill Contingency Plan measures will be implemented.  In the meanwhile, every effort should be made to contain the spillage and until such time as the Oil Spill Response Team arrive at the scene.

Waste Reception Facilities

Stornoway Port Authority provides waste reception facilities on all berths within Stornoway Harbour.  (See ‘Harbour Information’ for further details and relevant forms required to be submitted prior to entering Harbour and Waste Disposal charges).