Further expansion of facilities for the offshore industry at deep-water Lerwick Harbour underlines the Port Authority’s confidence in the sector’s future, with three development projects, costing around £30 million and including 880 meters of additional quays, on schedule.

At Dales Voe South, the quay is being extended by 75-meters to 130 meters, with a load-bearing capacity of 60 tons per square meter, unique in Scotland. The full quay will have 12.5 meters water depth alongside, amongst the deepest of its type in Scotland. Completion is due next spring. The extension will be complemented by increased, adjacent laydown for equipment and materials, with a phased expansion totalling 45,000 square meters by 2016.

Dale Voe Quay extension underway

An L-shaped jetty at Holmsgarth North jetty will extend to 800-meters-plus when completed next year, with ultimately 10-meters’ water depth alongside. The outer arm will create additional berthing for offshore industry vessels.

Sandra Laurenson, Lerwick Port Authority Chief Executive, said: “The harbour already has almost 4,000 meters of quay, including over 1,300 meters of deep-water berthing, and 130,000 square meters of laydown, meeting offshore industry requirements. The latest developments will underpin Lerwick’s continuing role as a leading support center, with the versatile facilities servicing ongoing operations, including subsea developments – particularly west of Shetland – and opening the door to further decommissioning work and the renewables market.”