The first part of Lerwick Port Authority’s current three-phase development programme will significantly upgrade facilities for the important fishing industry at the Shetland port – with the second phase due for completion in the autumn.
Following completion in 2013 of the £3.2m 150m Mair's Quay for the fishing industry, the port authority embarked on the current construction phase – the adjacent L-shaped Holmsgarth North jetty which is costing £16.5m. The first 110m section has been in use since February for the layby of fishing vessels.
Sandra Laurenson, chief executive of the port authority, said: "The sequence of interlocking development projects underlines the importance of recognising the industry's future requirements, planning ahead and investing accordingly."
The eventual 800m plus jetty will provide deeper berthing – ultimately 10m, more working area for the fishing fleet and create a dock sheltering the new fish market to be built on Mair’s Quay.
The market is scheduled to be available by the end of 2018 but construction can only begin after completion of the Holmsgarth North jetty. It is hoped that the market and quays will bring significant benefits for the whole fishing sector.
“The port is, of course, dependent on fishermen choosing to land their fish at Lerwick, as this is the lifeblood that makes everything work. We feel we have risen to the challenges of providing best-in-class facilities and, with very healthy fish stocks, look forward to being of service for many years to come,” concluded Ms Laurenson.
