Inverclyde 'powerless' to halt plan to berth cruise ships at Greenock amid coronavirus crisis

Councillors on the policy and resources executive sub-committee voted unanimously to reject the proposal by Peel Ports on public health grounds — but all that officials can do is write a letter to 'urge reconsideration' of the matter.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Inverclyde Council chiefs and elected members from across the political divide are opposed to what the harbour authority is seeking to do.

However, only the Scottish Government — currently fighting to minimise the impact of COVID-19 across the country — has the power to suspend port activities.

A secret report to councillors detailing the impact of the Peel Ports proposal has now been obtained by the Telegraph and we can today lay bare the deep concerns within the local authority.

The document — written by environment, regeneration and resources corporate director Scott Allan — states: "There are two fundamental issues for Inverclyde. Firstly, this area has suffered more than the rest of Scotland in respect of Covid.

"In consequence the health board is opposed to additional pressures on the health service and is opposed in principle to cruise ships berthing in the Clyde at this time whereby Greenock would be the servicing port.

"Secondly, the council as port health authority is required to authorise and oversee the safe risk management of disembarkation.

"This presents significant resource and infection control challenges at this time."

The report also highlights the 'very serious concerns' of Inverclyde Health & Social Care Partnership and declares that the input of the Scottish Government is 'fundamental'.

The document also suggests that there is no need to use the Clyde and Greenock and that the move is for reasons of 'commercial advantage'.

Peel Ports told the council during a teleconference call on April 22 it had received 'many requests' from cruise operators to accommodate their huge vessels on the Clyde.

Peel is looking to lay-up between four and 12 ships at various locations, including Hunterston and Loch Striven, and use Greenock as the servicing port to disembark crew members for onward travel to transport hubs — including Glasgow Airport — and repatriation to their home countries.

The ships would also discharge waste here and take on supplies, then remain on the Clyde with around 150 permanent crew onboard.

But they would each arrive with up to 600 personnel.

In his report, Mr Allan states: "Multi-agency meetings have been taking place to discuss these issues, at the time of writing, the position of Scottish Government has not been stated."

Concern has also been expressed at an apparent lack of detail from Peel.

Mr Allan said: "It is possible that the balance of the crew will be disembarked at Greenock for repatriation."

He added: "There is no detail on this."

The report states: "The council has no powers, however, to apply a blanket opposition to a ship accessing port and associated facilities.

"Significantly, Peel Ports is the harbour authority and controls the Clyde Estuary and the Port of Greenock.

"The Scottish Government has more powers in relation to restricting access, including powers of suspending port activities.

"While it is for Scottish Government to advise on the use of these powers, it is significant that the council has no legislative powers to prevent a ship docking. This is a matter for Peel Ports.

"At this stage therefore the discussions between (council) officers and Peel Ports are on the basis of voluntary engagement.

"The role of Scottish Government therefore in respect of the very serious concerns of the Health & Social Care Partnership and Glasgow & Clyde Health Board is fundamental."

It is understood that the ships could come from anywhere in the world and that Peel would require a statement on each vessel's 'health status' with regard to coronavirus.

Mr Allan also highlights in his report that there are 'public health protection concerns for the Inverclyde community and for the crews' and that the Peel proposal is in 'breach of the fundamental ethos of lockdown whereby people are restricted from travel so far as is possible'.

He added: "In this instance we understand that vessels are laying up at their existing location and are not 'at sea' with any necessity or immediate need of port facilities.

"Rather the choice of lay over location is a matter of commercial advantage."

NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde told the Tele: “We will be led by Inverclyde Council as the lead agency on this matter.

"Regardless of the final decision, we will continue to meet our port health and humanitarian obligations during the COVID-19.”

The Scottish Government says it is 'working closely with Health Protection Scotland, Inverclyde Council and NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde' on the matter.

It was represented at a 'multi-disciplinary meeting' which took place prior to the council committee talks.

Officials in Edinburgh say they have provided advice on the health protection considerations that must be taken into account.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The proposal is for a small number of vessels to arrive with only crew on board, some of whom may require to be repatriated.

"This would be carried out in line with health protection advice.

"Vessels would then take on stores and be anchored with a skeleton crew staying on board.

"This has occurred already in other ports around the UK including the Firth of Forth.

“Well established protocol exists to allow local councils, who are responsible for port health incidents, to effectively prevent any spread of coronavirus.

"There are procedures on declarations of health for vessels arriving in Scottish ports and also procedures to be followed in the case of any disembarkation being required from the vessels.”

Peel Ports had not responded to our comment request as we went to press, but in a previous statement the harbour authority insisted it would 'never jeopardise the health and safety of staff, residents or local communities'.