A controversial oil production vessel has arrived at Hunterston terminal today - despite objections from residents in Fairlie. 

The local community had called on operators BP to reconsider their plans to bring the Petrojarl Foinaven to the area unless environmental concerns were addressed. 

The ship was unhooked from its BP oilfield off Shetland last week, and will be decommissioned after reaching the end of its life.

However, Hunterston operators Peel Ports have told the News that no decommissioning will take place at the port.

Locals fear there could be a repeat of the terrifying incident last year when drill ship Valaris DS4 broke from its moorings and almost crashed into Cumbrae.

Jim McSporran, director of Clydeport, said: "The Foinaven FPSO will be arriving into Hunterston on Monday August 8 and docking on the Deepwater Jetty.

"The vessel’s current owners will be removing leased and owned office equipment and some signage in order to facilitate the safe handover to its new owners.

"There is no contractual agreement or intention to take the vessel to the construction yard for any other marine works, this cannot and will not occur for this vessel.

"After this work is completed, the new owners will be planning to move the Foinaven to its next destination.

"Be reassured that, as a working port, Hunterston PARC continues to provide berths for different vessels and we comply fully with all relevant health, safety and environmental requirements."