New quayside in immediate use

Lerwick Harbour’s third new quay in 21 months been brought into immediate use owing to the high level of activity at the port.

The 100 metre Berth 7 at Greenhead Base provides an extension to a 100-metre-plus quay added there last February. Providing nine metres water depth, the two common-user quays service the oil and gas industry mainly.

The offshore industry supply vessel, Sea Trout, was the first ship to use the new berth.

Mair’s Quay, at 150 metres, completed this 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 £11.5 million, 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 LPA 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 deep-water infrastructure. Development is ongoing to ensure we continue to meet new opportunities.”

Tulloch Developments director Alistair Tulloch said the firm’s involvement began in January 2011 with work on the initial Berth 6/7 which included dredging and modifications to Berth 5.

In August last year Tulloch’s started work on the Mair’s Yard project and in January on the final berth part of the scheme.

The work has involved moving 335,000 tons of rockfill and hardcore, 42,000 tons of rock armour, 8,736 tons of concrete, 4,500 square metres of sheet piling, said Mr Tulloch

He  said he was pleased that all the work had been completed on time and to agreed budget.

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

Additional lay-down areas are being created and further deep-water berths are also in the pipeline.