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Here are the top business stories making the headlines in the morning newspapers.

Anger as Scottish offshore windfarm work goes to the UAE

A union boss has criticised the decision to send fabrication work for a major Scottish offshore windfarm to the Middle East.

GMB Scotland senior organiser Gary Cook says "hundreds of million of pounds" have gone to the UAE rather than Fife or Lewis, and has branded the move a "green jobs surrender".

Energy Voice reports that UAE-based fabricator Lamprell had signed a major agreement to supply dozens of turbine jackets for Moray West.

Under the terms of the deal, space has been booked in Lamprell's Hamriyah yard for the work. This covers a total of 62 transition pieces, including 60 wind turbine jackets and kit for the scheme's two offshore substations.

A value for the contract was not given, but Lamprell said it is "very large". It is believed to be worth in excess of £150million.

Moray West is being developed by Ocean Winds, the result of a 50-50 joint venture between Spain's EDP Renewables and France's ENGIE.

Watchdog blames SNP for Ferguson Marine ferry failures

SNP ministers have presided over a “multitude of failings” in the delivery of two ferries for Scotland’s island routes that are now almost four years late and more than double their original price, a scathing report has found.

During talks to agree the shipbuilding contract, senior figures in Nicola Sturgeon’s cabinet were said to have ignored warnings about possible financial risks associated with Ferguson shipyard, their preferred bidder, which was then owned by Jim McColl, an engineering tycoon who had supported independence at the 2014 referendum.

The Times reports that Scotland’s public spending watchdog could find no “documented evidence” to explain why ministers appeared to be so relaxed about the potential dangers.

Sleepwalking into energy crisis

One of Britain's best-known fund managers has accused City investors of "sleepwalking us into an energy crisis" by refusing to back North Sea oil on so-called ethical grounds.

Richard Buxton, of Jupiter Asset Management, hit out at the industry's stance as Shell possibly revives plans to drill in the major Cambo field off Shetland.

Mr Buxton, whose fund is a Shell shareholder, warned that a focus on ethical, social and governance (ESG) criteria has contributed to the energy crisis by starving fossil-fuel companies of cash. Many funds with ESG targets are unable to invest in oil and gas companies.

Stressing that he was speaking in a personal capacity, Mr Buxton told the Telegraph: "I've been warning for months that the net-zero ESG dash for renewables and dissing of hydrocarbons was sleepwalking us into an energy crisis and here we are."

His comments came as the UK Government prepares to launch a new energy supply strategy which is likely to back further domestic oil and gas production over imports, amid global efforts to cut reliance on Russia.

BP supports unmanned aviation company

BP has invested £3million into unmanned aviation firm Flylogix following methane monitoring trials in the UK North Sea.

Flylogix has been working with BP since 2018 to help cut methane emissions from its assets, combining UAVs with artificial intelligence, satellite communications and methane sensors from partner SeekOps.

In 2019, Flylogix carried out a 115-mile round trip from Papa Stour in Shetland to the BP Clair platform - what was then the longest-ever commercial drone flight.

Energy Voice says Flylogix drones use SeekOps sensors - originally designed for NASA's Mars Curiosity Rover - on their wing tip, and fly to installations to send back live data.

Warning over any Scottish freeport bid

The Scottish Government has sent a shot across the bows of the owner of P&O Ferries after they were linked to a bid for new green freeports north of the border.

The company's parent DP World is expected to submit proposals when the bidding process opens later this month.

P&O Ferries fired 800 workers without notice over video call last week, claiming the business is no longer viable under the current mode of operation.

The move generated widespread anger.

Seafarers from abroad brought in to replace the British crews will be paid as little as £1.80 an hour, according to unions.

The Scottish Government told the Press and Journal that any application to become a "green freeport" which cannot demonstrate a clear commitment to fair work practices "will not be supported".

DP World, which is ultimately owned by Dubai's ruling royal family, already operates two deep-water ports at London Gateway and Southampton.

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