Thousandth cruise ship to visit
Forty-nine cruise ships are booked to call at Lerwick before the end of September, with the increasing number of larger vessels now using the port including the first grossing over 100,000 tonnes.
According to Lerwick Port Authority the total figure of 1,000,000 gross registered tonnes in a season could be passed for the first time this year The arrival of larger vessels is also reflected in increased passenger numbers – with approximately 26,000 due, up around 9,000 on last year.
This summer will see the arrival of the 1,000th cruise ship since a visit was first recorded in port authority records in 1928.
Chief executive Sandra Laurenson said: “The increases in vessel numbers and size and in passengers compared with 2008 means we are looking forward to a great season which will also bring special milestones for the cruise industry at Lerwick, with the passengers providing a welcome contribution to the local economy.”
The popularity of Lerwick as a port-of-call for cruise ships is also seen in the line-up for next year, with 24 vessels scheduled to date.
Lerwick Port Authority is a member of the recently-launched Cruise Scotland marketing or- ganisation which aims to promote the industry
