GREENOCK'S iconic Inchgreen Dry Dock remains empty today — following repeated failures by a ship scrappage outfit to bring a single vessel to the facility.

Atlas Decommissioning — whose bosses have promised to create 100 skilled jobs after leasing the dock from Peel in November — declared that they would take delivery of their first ship before Christmas.

But, despite having discussions — proof of which is held by the Telegraph — to bring three Maersk-owned container vessels to Inchgreen, nothing has materialised.

The lack of action at the facility has been branded by activists as a 'slap in the face' for Inverclyde councillors who voiced strong support for Inchgreen becoming a ship scrappage hub.

Robert Buirds, of the Campaign to Save Inchgreen Dry Dock, said: "We're not surprised that no ships have arrived as many of the promises made by Peel Ports have proven to be false. We do not support Atlas operating a scrapyard in a national asset such as Inchgreen.

"This is a slap in the face for all those who were falling over themselves to support the development as Inchgreen was becoming an embarrassment to them and their ability and endeavour to challenge Peel's strangulation of Inverclyde's industrial development.

"We will continue to campaign for Ferguson Marine and other marine companies to use the dry dock for what it was built for, a major marine facility for the Clyde."

The Telegraph told in December how Atlas was vying to bring three ships to Inchgreen — the Maersk Idaho, Nysted Maersk and Lucie Schult.

Timescales set for before Christmas then slipped to early January and now, more than midway through the month, no ships have arrived.

Atlas director Michael Dixon insisted late last month that our accurate information about the Maersk ships was wrong but has since not responded to an approach by the Telegraph requesting and interview and clarification of when a ship will finally arrive.

Outspoken critic of the Peel/Atlas deal, Alba party councillor Jim McEleny, said: "It is short-sighted of Peel agreeing this lease to put the dry dock out of reach for any other possible uses. They've done this purely to remove competition for their southern yards in my view.

"I remain concerned over Atlas's business model of breaking up vessels.

"Anyone I've spoken with that's got a shipbuilding background has shared their opinions that the potential for contaminants released in to the environment are very high. Despite getting SEPA certification, there is still a danger for pollutants getting in to the water and the atmosphere.

"The potential to employ thousands in shipbuilding and ship repair, with the associated economic benefits have been eroded, with the promise of just 100 jobs. This isn't a good deal at all.

"I've not seen anything related to why Atlas have yet to put a vessel on the stocks, I hope this is a temporary glitch and not the case that they've promised more than they can deliver."

Council leader Stephen McCabe — who hailed the deal as a 'terrific shot in the arm for the Inverclyde economy' last November — said: "I am disappointed the first ship has not yet arrived at the new recycling facility. Hopefully this will happen in the near future."

A Peel Ports spokesman said: "Changes in activity of this manner are very normal and to be expected. Vessels are often still in active use right up until they are decommissioned and rarely stick to a fixed schedule.

"Atlas have already begun major works at the site ahead of the arrival of vessels and we retain full confidence that this long-term deal will bring job creation to Inverclyde over the coming years."