Harbour development offers deeper berthing

The proposed L-shaped jetty extension at Holmsgarth North, super-imposed on John Coutts' photograph with the planned fish market at the entrance (left) of the dock.

The fishing industry will be the main beneficiary of the next multi-million pound project in Lerwick Harbour where the construction of a large jetty at Holmsgarth North is due to begin later this summer.

It will provide deeper berthing and more working area for the fishing fleet, while the outer arm of the L-shaped jetty will create a dock sheltering a planned new white fish market. The outer arm will also be suitable for offshore industry vessels.

Extending to over 630 metres, with ultimately 10 metre of water alongside, the Holmsgarth North project is scheduled for completion at the end 2015, and will cost an estimated £17 million.

It will be followed by the construction of the market, to start in early 2016 at Mair’s Quay.

The quay was completed last year and has already brought benefits to the fleet, the LPA said. It will be the berthing area used for net repair and working with fishing gear during the construction of the large new jetty.

Lerwick Port Authority chief executive Sandra Laurenson said: “The commitment by the port authority to develop these next projects for the fishing industry will secure Lerwick as a leading fishing port in the UK and complement the excellent service provision for the fleet available here in Shetland.

“The main economic driver for this community is the marine sector and by meeting the requirements for fish landings in the future, that economy can flourish.”

The positive approach of the port authority is underlined by increased fish landings.

Latest figures, for the first quarter, show a total of 32,577 tonnes landed, valued at £33.14 million, up 40 per cent on tonnage and 57 per cent on value compared to the same period in 2013.

A more detailed view of Lerwick Harbour developments will be published in Friday’s Shetland Times.