Distinctive barge makes the move to Victoria Pier

It may only be a couple of weeks since it arrived, but the distinctive black-and-white barge, Sans Vitesse, has been shifted to a new location.

The striped accommodation unit is being given a new berthing point at Victoria Pier.

Its former home at Mair’s Quay is being taken by the larger 180-bedroom Bibby Bergen – which will be Lerwick’s fourth accommodation barge.

Petrofac has hired the Bibby Bergen for four months to support the construction of Total’s new gas plant at Sullom Voe.

The barge is no stranger to Lerwick as it was at the port supporting a pipeline project in 2001.

Lerwick Port Authority says the accommodation barges are a “continuation of Lerwick’s support in building the Shetland gas plant. A recent shipment of modules from the Middle East is being transferred to the site by sea and the final two shipments of these are due before Christmas.”

In addition to the onshore site works, the offshore aspects of the Laggan-Tormore project have provided activity for the port with visits from some of the larger vessels undertaking construction, to the fishing vessels that have been acting on guard duties.

Workers on the Bibby Bergen will be bussed to the gas plant site early each morning and return in the evening in the same way as residents on Sans Vitesse and Kalmar are transported.

The harbour authority says local people have been employed to provide hotel services and security onboard the barges.

“Food supplies and transport are also provided locally with a resultant benefit to the local economy.”