Orkney showcased at Arctic Circle conference

Scapa Flow potential as an Arctic gateway harbour is high on the agenda

“I was particularly enthused by the future potential of Scapa Flow as an Arctic gateway harbour”.

Those were the words of Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Polar Regions, James Gray MP, following the Arctic Circle Assembly last week in Iceland at which presentations were given by invited speakers Council Leader James Stockan, interim Chief Executive John Mundell and Aquatera Chairman and Managing Director, Gareth Davies.

Mr Gray wrote to Councillor Stockan to share his appreciation, stating: “The vision, ambition and enthusiasm of the Orkney Islands Council is extremely impressive, and I was particularly enthused by the future potential of Scapa Flow as an Arctic gateway harbour.

“It is clear from the innovation, research and development that has already taken place in the islands that Orkney is worthy of more recognition not just in Scotland, but in the UK as a whole. They may be distant, but they have the potential to play an important role in helping the UK reach its net zero targets in many diverse ways.”

Councillor Stockan, Mr Mundell and Mr Davies spoke during the prime session on the second day of the Assembly which ran from 14 to 17 October 2021 in Reykjavik, leading on the topic “Orkney – Europe’s Gateway to the Arctic”, in recognition of the county’s track record in renewables and host to Scapa Flow, the world’s second largest natural harbour.
On his way home, Councillor Stockan also met with the Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies in Aberdeen as the company announced a £140 million fund to potentially support the development of an offshore wind farm to the west of Orkney.

Councillor Stockan said: “Orkney may be small in terms of geography, but the islands continue to pack a mighty punch on the world stage. The Assembly was a great success and feedback from others present thereafter was promising with a number of areas to follow up. The Icelandic Foreign Minister would like to take a business delegation to Orkney which gives us another chance to showcase what we can offer first-hand.

“We are also following up politically and looking to engage with the West Nordic Council – a grouping of Greenland, Iceland and the Faroes – as they are currently looking at whether to expand their group in any way. There is co-operation in projects and understanding of what is going on in the region so there may be mutual benefit opportunities available. We have so many of the same challenges.

“There is real interest for a green port of the Arctic. We all know at some stage the Polar routes are going to open up for longer periods of the summer and eventually become commercially viable – Scapa Flow has been identified as the most favourable option for an Arctic gateway harbour. We need to embrace Scapa Flow for it is surely our biggest asset. We have proven through the Flotta oil terminal that integration within Orkney life is not only possible but incredibly successful.”

Councillor Stockan said the meeting with the international CEO of TotalEnergies was a chance for him to engage on how their presence in Orkney could bring some real tangible benefits back into the community. “Not tokenism but something that really benefits the people of Orkney over the years ahead similar to the agreement with the owners of the Flotta oil terminal but even greater. I also had the privilege to meet the CEO and global officer of the Green Investment Bank.”

Mr Mundell saw the invitation to the Assembly as an opportunity to promote the potential economic opportunity of Orkney to senior government representatives and ministers from Arctic Circle countries and beyond fostering “an alternative international family for Orkney in a post-Brexit world”. The visit was successful in this respect and also included a meeting to brief the British Ambassador to Iceland on the research, innovation and investment opportunities that Orkney has to offer.

“This was the largest network and annual gathering with dialogue and cooperation on the future of the Arctic in the context of the impact of climate change on the planet. I hope there will be opportunities for nations to extend the reach of their efforts, share news and best practice, and showcase their work in the increasingly important fields of the blue and green economies – that is, sustainable development and use of ocean and coastal resources, and low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive economic growth.”