Lerwick’s dredging effort pays off
Lerwick Harbour’s ‘hub’ role servicing the offshore oil and gas industry in the waters around Shetland is highlighted by the latest statistics issued by the port, which show increased traffic in the first quarter of this year, with the tonnage of oil-related cargo and shipping both more than doubling compared with the same period in 2011.
With the number of support vessels using Lerwick up 82% at 127, tonnage rose 120% at 508,575 gross tonnes, with cargo handled up 102.7% at 24,254 tonnes. The larger vessels operating in the offshore sector were the main reason for increased pilotage movements – 273, up 36%, with 1.1 million gross tonnes of vessels piloted, up 32%.
Victor Sandison, Lerwick Port Authority’s Deputy Chief Executive, said: “Increasing oil-related activity in the first quarter again demonstrated the value of the investment in deep-water infrastructure, including the latest berth at Greenhead which was brought into use ahead of schedule in February to support a major North Sea project.
“While specific factors had negative influence on two key sectors – passenger traffic and fish landings – the outlook for the port is positive, with the prospect of a record cruise season, which started this month, and continuing strong offshore industry activity, backed by ongoing development of facilities for the longer term.”
The first three months saw the total number of vessels calling at Lerwick up 3.7% at 1,149, with overall cargo higher by 14.9% at 205,406 tonnes.
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