F-gas Regulations at Gremista, Shetland

Scottish Sea Farms has received two civil penalties from SEPA relating to historic non-compliance with fluorinated greenhouse gas (F-gas) regulations at our Gremista processing facility in Shetland.

The penalties relate to the absence of automatic leak detection systems on two refrigeration units, as required under the regulations. While no leaks occurred and there was no actual environmental harm, the law is clear that preventative equipment must be in place and properly maintained to minimise risk. This was not the case, and we fully accept SEPA’s findings.

The issue arose from an oversight following the acquisition of the site, including an incorrect assumption that the necessary systems were already in place and reliance on contracted specialists. SEPA considered these circumstances and our cooperation when determining the final sanctions.

The non-compliance has been fully remedied. Immediate corrective action was taken to remove the relevant refrigerant gases and bring the site back into compliance, and we have further actions underway to move away from F-gas-based systems altogether as part of a wider programme to exceed regulatory requirements and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

We take our environmental responsibilities seriously and continue to work closely and transparently with SEPA to strengthen compliance across our operations. We have reinforced internal controls and expectations around attention to detail and regulatory compliance, and where there is any uncertainty, our teams are instructed to seek guidance from our specialist compliance function before action is taken