Initially, and as part of the conflict over the proposed bridge to Bressay, Shetland Islands Council objected to the Lerwick Harbour Revision Order 2005. However, following the recent Court of Session ruling in favour of the port authority, the council has withdrawn it objection.

Port chief executive Allan Wishart said recently that this would now allow the port to be issued with the order, which was a prerequisite for re-advertising the dredging contract.

The port was forced to tear up its £6 million dredging contract with Belgian company Jan de Nul, due to the council's legal action. Mr Wishart said the port management wanted to make sure that every document necessary was in place before approaching the dredging industry again. It is expected that the port would be in a position to award the new contract by autumn this year.