Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry (): I am today announcing that
the Ministry of Defence has completed the purchase of Finnart Oil
Terminal, representing a multi-million-pound investment in the
West of Scotland.
This is a strategically important investment that strengthens the
United Kingdom's national security, reinforces our energy
resilience, and underpins the operational effectiveness of the
Royal Navy.
At a time of heightened global uncertainty - including
instability in the Middle East and increasing Russian aggression
- this acquisition ensures that the Royal Navy can sustain
operations in the North Atlantic and remain ready to respond to
current and future threats. It increases the Royal Navy's
operational reach and secures a reliable fuel supply.
Crucially, this investment strengthens sovereign control over
critical energy infrastructure while expanding the UK's defence
footprint in the region - directly supporting our NATO-first
approach and our commitment to collective defence.
Finnart will play a vital role in ensuring that the United
Kingdom is warfighting ready. By expanding our fuel storage
capacity, we are enhancing the resilience and endurance of our
naval forces, in line with the First Sea Lord's Warfighting
Readiness Plan.
The investment also delivers tangible benefits for the West of
Scotland. As activity increases, the Finnart Oil Terminal will
support a broader ecosystem of employment and skills development
in local communities, while strengthening supply chains.
The Finnart Oil Terminal will be owned by the Ministry of Defence
and managed by the Oil and Pipelines Agency, which has a strong
track record of operating fuel infrastructure safely and securely
across the defence estate. The site will continue to meet the
highest regulatory and safety standards, ensuring reliable,
robust support to the Royal Navy's operational requirements.
This investment in the Finnart site will form part of the Clyde
Transformation Programme, a multi-decade, multi-billion-pound
programme to regenerate HM Naval Base Clyde. Together with our
broader investments in Scotland, including Project Royal Oak and
the Defence Growth Deal, this demonstrates the Government's
commitment to strengthening national security, supporting defence
as an engine for growth, and investing in communities across the
United Kingdom.
