THE Ministry of Defence (Mod) has purchased a Scottish oil terminal in Argyll and Bute in a bid to boost the Navy's fuel reserves.
The Finnart Oil Terminal on Loch Long, a few miles from the Navy's Clyde base, was owned by Ineos – though its future has been uncertain since the company decided to shutter its Grangemouth oil refinery.
Now, following the multi-million-pound acquisition, the site – which can take tankers up to 324,000 tonnes – will be operated by the MoD and Oil and Pipelines Agency (OPA), serving as a Naval Fuel depot.
The MoD said the move will "strengthen sovereign control of critical energy infrastructure at a time of heightened global volatility".
Speaking during a site visit, First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins said: “The Royal Navy’s acquisition of the Finnart Oil Terminal is a critical step in strengthening our warfighting readiness and operational resilience. It secures a reliable fuel supply for our fleet, enabling us to sustain operations at pace and support our global commitments and Nato allies.
“Advancing the Warfighting Readiness Plan, this investment enhances our ability to respond rapidly to emerging threats and maintain our operational advantage. It demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring the Royal Navy remains ready to fight and win in an increasingly contested world.”
The MoD said the investment is coming as part of a "multi-decade, multi-billion-pound programme" to regenerate HM Naval Base Clyde.
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander added: “This multi-million-pound investment will strengthen UK energy and naval operations’ resilience at a time when the security challenges we face have never been greater.
“Scotland has always been at the beating heart of UK defence and Finnart is further proof of that. By bringing this site back to life, the UK Government is also continuing its commitment to help with local recovery following the closure of Finnart last year.”
