Independence will hit Scottish shipping and the offshore maritime industry, according to new research.
An online survey by international accountant and shipping advisor Moore Stephens elicited responses from 282 ship owners, operators and others involved in shipping and offshore support around the world.
Overall, 55% said separation would have a negative impact.
A number of respondents were extremely outspoken against independence. One described it as “somewhere between madness and childishness”, another “a total disaster”.
On respondent voiced “no confidence” that the Scottish Government would properly take account of shipping’s needs, while another said Scotland did not have the necessary infrastructure to replace UK Merchant Marine and “we will change the home port of our vessels from Aberdeen to London”.
When asked on a scale of one to 10 the likelihood of making a major investment or development in and/or involving Scotland in the next 12 months the average answer was 3.7.
Almost 75% rate their chances of investment over the coming year at five or lower, although 8% rated their chances at 10.
Cassie Forman, Moore Stephens shipping and offshore maritime director, said: “The survey revealed a high level of interest in the likely impact of Scottish independence on the shipping and offshore maritime sector.
“Unsurprisingly, issues such as currency, the taxation system, tonnage tax and the ability of Scotland to administer an efficient and cost-effective shipping administration dominated the comments from respondents.
“The survey was very international in its scope. This is important because, irrespective of the outcome of the vote on September 18, Scotland will be looking to strengthen its position in what is arguably the world’s most international industry.”
Kat Heathcote, of the pro-independence group Business for Scotland, said: “Scotland’s maritime heritage has been ill-served by UK Governments and this is an opportunity to put that right.
“Fully restoring Scotland’s maritime industries, looking forward rather than backward and releasing its potential, will take a concerted and focused effort, underpinned by a clear strategy. This will only happen with a Scottish Government committed to helping them.”