Transocean Winner Inquiry

The one-off evidence session is taking place due to a request from Isles SNP MP Angus MacNeil.

Mr MacNeil wrote to Louise Ellman MP, Chair of the Transport Select Committee following the grounding in August asking the Committee to consider a Hearing.

He said: “I am pleased that this inquiry is taking place today and I hope it will bring answers to some unanswered questions.

“What risk assessments were carried out prior to moving the rig and why the operation was taking place despite the severe weather warning?

“I have also asked that the Committee look at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) refusal to have an Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV) on the west coast and I am pleased that the principal purpose of this session is to consider any implications for the Department for Transport/MCA policy particularly the provision of ETVs in Scottish waters.

“The whole point of this is to establish whether we have adequate tug cover on the west coast and whether or not it would have helped in this case is a moot point, the issue is however this could have been a far more serious event.”

Evidence will be taken from Leo Leusink, Chief Operating Officer, Fleet and Operations, ALP Maritime Services B.V; David Wells, Chief Executive Officer, Aqualis Offshore Ltd; Sir Alan Massey KCB CBE, Chief Executive, Maritime and Coastguard Agency; Hugh Shaw, Secretary of State’s Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention; and Dave Walls, Operations Director, Transocean.