RMT BLASTS NORTH SEA DECOMMISSIONING FAILURES

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: september 2022 :: RMTnews 14 RMT has raised concerns that one of three semi-submersible North Sea drilling platforms impounded in the Cromarty Firth since 2018 may about to be transported overseas for decommissioning. The union raised concerns back in 2018 about the three North Sea oil drilling rigs Ocean Guardian, Ocean Nomad and Ocean Vanguard that were being sold to be scrapped on beaches in India and Bangladesh. As a result, they were detained and impounded in the Cromarty Firth, where two of them have been ever since. The other one, Ocean Guardian, was sold to Well Safe in 2019. Reports have revealed that one of them could be on the move revealing the complete failure to build jobs and skills in the decommissioning industry in this country. RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said that it was scandalous that these mammoth drilling rigs, instrumental in exploiting millions of barrels of North Sea oil and gas resources have not fuelled growth in decommissioning jobs and skills here. “RMT is clear that the failure of the UK government’s decommissioning strategy is a failure of offshore oil and gas workers. “Over £16.5 billion will be spent on decommissioning work in the North Sea to 2030 and we need urgent action to secure more of that work here and the union calls on Ministers to work with offshore unions to deliver a coherent plan to create jobs and preserve skills from decommissioning North Sea oil and gas assets in domestic ports,” he said. The North Sea Transition Deal, drawn up by government and the oil and gas industry and published in March 2021, ahead of COP26 states that: “The [oil and gas] sector voluntarily committing to achieve 50% local UK content across the lifecycle for all related new energy transition projects by 2030, as well as in oil and gas decommissioning. This will be supported by the appointment of an industry supply chain champion who will support the coordination of opportunities with other sectors.” The Industry’s Decommissioning Insight Report 2021 estimated that spend of decommissioning of £16.57 billion over the next decade but contains no job creation or skills retention targets. RMT marked Merchant Navy day by remembering the sinking of the paddle steamer Princess Alice on September 3, 1878 on the River Thames. Between 600 and 700 people died in the disaster, which was made worse with the release of millions of tons of raw sewage into the Thames at the time of the sinking, the greatest loss of life of any British inland waterway shipping accident. No passenger list or headcount was made, so the exact figure of those who died has never been known. RMT national secretary Darren Procter said that that disaster occurred on Merchant Navy Day September 3 when we remember those who lost their lives at times of war and to celebrate the vital role of merchant seafarers in the lives of our communities. “The disaster led to many changes to the law regarding maritime activity on the Thames and to the release of sewage into the river, yet it is still a problem today ironically,” he said. PRINCESS ALICE DISASTER REMEMBERED Union marks Merchant Navy Day by marking the 144th anniversary of the sinking RMT BLASTS NORTH SEA DECOMMISSIONING FAILURES RMT blasts North Sea decommissioning failures