SHOULD Scotland ever become independent, there would be a price to pay in terms of shipping, according to survey conducted by shipping accountants, Moore Stephens.
Reporting on a Moore Stephens briefing, New York's Maritime Advocate, a legal affairs portal, reported that survey results showed that a vote for independence from the UK would have a negative effect.
The survey of leading members of the international shipping community, found more than half felt that a vote for independence would be bad for shipping and offshore energy activities.
The vote does not automatically create a new state, but would empower the Scottish parliament to negotiate separation from the United Kingdom.
Two-thirds of survey respondents said a move away from Sterling by an independent Scotland would have a negative effect on offshore continental shelf and related onshore activities.
"Fifty-five per cent felt that independence from the UK would have a negative effect on the Scottish shipping and offshore maritime sector.
Forty-five per cent had an existing business relationship with Scotland, and it was they who were most pessimistic about a Yes vote, with 69 per cent believing it would have a negative impact.
By comparison, 57 per cent of those respondents with no existing business relationships with Scotland thought that a Yes vote would have a positive effect.
A number had strong opinions: "We have no confidence that a Scottish government would properly take account of shipping's needs."
Or: "Scotland does not have the necessary infrastructure to replace the UK Merchant Marine. We will change the home port of our vessels from Aberdeen to London."
Said another: "This will be a total disaster that we are not prepared to handle."
But others disagreed. "The shipping sector will develop more quickly if Scotland becomes independent," said one.
Another said: "Independence would increase opportunities and lead to high confidence levels."
Said another: "Scottish independence would concentrate the mind on how better to support the offshore oil and gas sector, and help re-entry into the commercial and naval shipbuilding markets."
Another said: "A free Scotland is guaranteed to prosper and will have a significant impact on the European economy."
Said another: "Scotland has the necessary resources, the skilled people and the experience. And we look forward to continuing to trade with it and developing our business there in the likely event of independence."
Taking a more analytical tack, one said: "An independent Scotland would need to offer tax advantages and concessions to keep owners in the country."
Said Moore Stephens director Cassie Forman: "The survey was very international in its scope. This is important because, Scotland will be looking to strengthen its position in what is arguably the world's most international industry."