Port optimistic
LERWICK Port Authority is looking forward to another busy year after a successful 2014 that saw an increase in passenger traffic, cargo handled and fish landed.
Harbour chief executive Sandra Laurenson said oil and gas developments to the west of Shetland should shield the port from any negaitive impact caused by the collapse in the oil price.
“There are a number of positives going forward. For example, the 52 cruise ships booked this year are ahead of 2013, which was a record year for passengers.
“Increases in some key fishing quotas should mean higher landings.
“Continuing project support, especially for subsea development in the Atlantic, will help shield the port from the drop in the oil price, with the sector a significant area of our activity for the foreseeable future,” she said.
Last year, the port recorded an increase in the numbers of passengers of almost 12 percent to just below 180,000.
Of those 135,629 came on the overnight ferries (up by two percent), while 43,723 stepped ashore at Lerwick as cruise liner passengers, an increase of 64 per cent.
The tonnage of all cargo shipments increased two percent to 1,192,286 tonnes.
Fish landings totalled 69,973 tonnes, valued at £61.2 million – up 4.7 per cent on volume and down two per cent on value.
Laurenson said: “Overall levels were as predicted and the year ended on forecast, underpinning our financial performance and confidence in the continuing development of the port.”
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