CONCERNS have been raised over possible pollution from diesel generators running 'round the clock' to support the Valaris drilling ships docked at Hunterston.

The matter was discussed at the recent Fairlie Community Council Zoom meeting as villagers voiced concerns about the presence of the massive vessels.

Locals have nicknamed the ships 'Blackpool Tower' and 'Eiffel Tower' - Valaris DS4 and Ensco DS8 - with each having a drilling depth capacity of 12,000ft.

Resident Jackie Pearson says that while noise has not been an issue, concerns about the duo's power supplies are.

He added: "The noise levels from these two ships are not as bad as what we have suffered in the past but that is not the issue. These things are here for the long haul

"My issue is the hypocrisy and nonsense coming from Peel Ports, who say Hunterston Parc is going to be a green energy centre

"Tying up two redundant ships and lighting them up day and night for no obvious is far from environmentally friendly. They are running diesel engines constantly and if that is a green energy park then I don't want it.

"These ships should be getting their power supply from somewhere sensible.

"To sit there with engines running when we have two duel fuel ferries languishing up the Clyde because we are a green country, that is nonsense of the highest level."

Independent councillor Ian Murdoch says steps are being taken to power the vessels by alternative means.

He added: "I believe Peel is in the process of installing mains power so they don't have to run the diesel engines round the clock. I don't know why it is taking so long though.

"We need to find out how long it is going to take to get the mains power

Fairlie community councillor David Nairn said: "It is ironic there is no electricity at the port given it is being promoted as an energy park."

Council chairman Rita Holmes added: "The drill ships are going to be there for quite a long time. They are there for warm stacking which means they have to keep their generators running because they have to keep all the sensitive equipment in good condition.

Former community council chairman David Telford says that he was told Peel Ports were charging a four-figure sum per day for the ships to be berthed at the port.

Peel Ports, the operators of Hunterston terminal, say they are working with Valaris to help them address the power issues on the drill ships.
Concerns were raised by Fairlie Community Council regarding the 24 hour a day use of diesel generators to provide power for the two giant vessels.
Peel Ports Clydeport director Jim McSporran said: "We are addressing concerns over the use of generators to supply power to the two vessels, and are working with the ships and a firm of electrical engineers to design a shore power option.
" I would point out that generator use is standard practice in ports throughout the UK. 
"In addition we are currently monitoring noise levels at Fairlie foreshore and other locations, and comparing them to historical data to ensure they are kept within acceptable parameters.