Lerwick’s Berth 7 goes straight into service

The 100m Berth 7 at Greenhead Base provides an extension to a new 100m-plus quay added there in February 2012. Providing 9m water depth, the two common-user quays primarily service the oil and gas industry.

The 150m Mair’s Quay, completed last summer, will bring significant improvements in the fishing industry’s operations and provide the site for a replacement white fish market.

The three quays, at a total investment of £11.5m, are part of a suite of quays and land reclamation consented in 2010, with the first contract award in December that year. Local contractor, Tulloch Developments, has successfully delivered the works on time and on budget, with design and supervision by Arch Henderson.

With three quays built within the last three years, the Authority is now turning its attention to its next capital projects as part of an ongoing investment plan.

Harbourmaster, Captain Calum Grains said: “With the current high activity level, in the offshore sector in particular, and a positive outlook for the foreseeable future, the latest quay is a timely addition to our deepwater infrastructure. Development is ongoing to ensure we continue to meet new opportunities.”

Lerwick now has almost 4,000m of quay, including over 1,300m of deepwater berthing, following developments to accommodate larger vessels now operating. Investment of over £83m by the Port Authority has taken place since the 1970s, much of it directed at the offshore industry.

Additional laydown areas are being created and further deepwater berths are also in the pipeline.