Harbour traffic still impacted by coronavirus pandemic

Traffic at Lerwick Harbour continues to be severely impacted by the “dire effects” of Covid-19 and lower oil prices.

Another quarter of reduced activity in line with earlier months has been recorded.

Total vessel arrivals between January-September were down 16 per cent  compared to the same period last year, showing a 49 per cent drop in oil-related arrivals.

There was a seven per cent increase in fishing boats. But the overall shipping tonnage dropped 40 per cent.

Cargo for the nine-month period to end-September was down 18 per cent, including a 28 per cent reduction in oil-related freight.

Imports included windfarm equipment and a new engine for Lerwick Power Station.

Overall passenger numbers  were down 77 per cent, largely due to cruise cancellations.

Whitefish landings were down 15 per cent. 

Positives include the opening of the new whitefish market, while the arrival of the Ninian Northern topside has also helped.