Orkney Harbour Authority (OHA)

Orkney Harbour Authority (OHA) is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of 29 piers and harbours throughout the Orkney IslandsThe strategically located Scapa Flow, Europe’s largest natural harbour, with its unique deep water sheltered anchorage, hosts multiple ship to ship (STS) transfer operations of crude oil, LNG and LPG as well as serving the Flotta Oil Terminal and its connections to UK oil fields and accommodating rigs and offshore platforms at anchor for maintenance and stand-down. The major harbours of Hatston, Kirkwall and Stromness accommodate a range of operational activity across many sectors – over 160 cruise calls per season, aquaculture, cargo, the 9 inter island ferries as well as berths for the lifeline ferry services from the Scottish mainland, fishing, marine leisure and renewables. To support this the Marine Services team operate a fleet of 3 tugs (with 2 new 80T bollard pull tugs due to arrive in 2020), class 1 pilots and VTS to cover this diverse range of operation. OHA also operate our own Marine Environmental Unit which monitors the marine environment in Scapa Flow and throughout Orkney with an approved Ballast Water Management Policy in place for Scapa Flow.