Wildlife experts fear the damage an oil spill would cause

Ship-to-ship transfer is now quite common practice, and is done under strict regulations to prevent spills.

Port authorities say Falmouth harbour is well suited to this and would like to see the business come there.

But some concerns have been raised over the potential damage an oil spill could cause to wildlife.

The risk can be mitigated much better within a port environment Mark Sanson, Falmouth Harbour Master

Mark Sanson, Falmouth Harbour Master, says the risk is less if the transfer is carried out in the safe haven of a harbour and believes Falmouth would be well-suited to dealing with a spill.

He said: "If it happens close to a harbour they can have proper tenders taken out, new hoses taken out and the operation can be properly supported.

"There's also pilotage available to put the ships together, so generally the risk can be mitigated much better within a port environment."

But wildlife experts want to be consulted about any plans. They say Falmouth Bay is home to many rare marine plants and sea life and fear these could be badly damaged in the event of a major oil spill.