New £17 million jetty planned for Lerwick Harbour

A NEW £17 million jetty is set to change the face of Shetland’s Lerwick Harbour, one of the biggest fishing ports in Europe, and provide the industry with a major boost.

Lerwick harbour could become one of the largest fishing ports in Europe. Picture: Contributed

The L-shaped pier will stretch to over 630 metres and provide deep-water berthing of 10 metres of water, as well as more working area to the fishing fleet.

It will also create a dock to shelter a modern fishmarket which is due to be constructed in the next three years.

The fishing industry will be the main beneficiary of the latest major project in the continuing development of Lerwick Harbour.

The construction of the large new jetty at Holmsgarth North is due to begin in the third quarter this year.

The outer arm of the L-shaped jetty will also be suitable for offshore industry vessels.

The project is scheduled for completion, at an estimated cost of £17 million, at the end 2015.

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

The quay was completed last year and has already brought benefits to the fleet.

It will be the berthing area used for net repair and working with fishing gear during the construction of the large new jetty.

Sandra Laurenson, Lerwick Port Authority chief executive, 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 approach by 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% on tonnage and 57% on value compared to the same period in 2013.