Lerwick’s strong start

Increases in cargo, passengers, fish landings, and the tonnage of shipping compared to the same period in 2012 saw total cargo handled up 8% at 222,195 tonnes. This was due mainly to higher frozen fish exports and imports of materials by roll-on/roll-off vessels in support of work ongoing in Shetland.

Passenger numbers on the Lerwick-Kirkwall-Aberdeen routes totalled 20,874, up 21% compared to the first three months of 2012, when both roll-on/roll-off ferries underwent scheduled dry-docking for biennial servicing.

Although vessel arrivals were down 16% at 964, mainly due to fewer small fishing boats, there was a 16% rise to 2.45 million gross tonnes in the tonnage of all vessels calling, including a 30% increase for oil related shipping, and a 26% jump in the tonnage of vessels piloted. The figures reflect the trend in larger ships using Lerwick’s deep-water facilities.