The council has fears about the impact of an oil spill on beaches

It held a special meeting on Friday to draw attention to the proposals.

Other councils and key organisations like the Maritime and Coastguard Agency - which will decide on the application - were invited to the event.

The local authority said the proposal from a Sunderland firm was one of the most serious threats Fife had faced.

The company wants to transfer oil from Russia to other vessels bound for China or eastern Europe.

I believe that this proposal is the single biggest threat to Fife in the history of this council Alex Thomson Fife Council

It envisages that more than 100 transfers would take place each year.

The council's deputy leader, Councillor Alex Thomson, said: "I believe that this proposal is the single biggest threat to Fife in the history of this council.

"The anchorages of the huge ships that would be involved in the transfer of oil are less than four miles from the shore and a spill in this area would have a catastrophic effect on beaches and an environment that we are justifiably proud of.

"Fife Council currently holds no less than five Blue Flag beach awards - more than any other local authority in Scotland.

Robust objections

"These are vital assets to Fife and our local economy could be put at considerable risk if these proposals go ahead."

Green MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife, Mark Ruskell, said ship-to-ship transfers should be vigorously opposed.

He added: "It is absurd and unthinkable that these transfers could take place without adequate legislation to protect the marine environment and nearby communities.

"The cost of an accident - to the environment, to communities and to the taxpayer would be considerable.