First Holmsgarth North section ready to use
THE FIRST section of the new £16.5 million Holmsgarth North pier has been handed over to Lerwick Port Authority by contractor Tulloch Developments.
The completion of the 110-metre long section clears the way for the demolition of the nearby former Shell jetty which has until now been used by fishing vessels.
Holmsgarth North is one of several major investments in port infrastructure underway. LPA is also extending the quay at Dales Voe with the aim of attracting oil industry decommissioning work.
LPA chief executive Sandra Laurenson said the port was investing £30 million without imposing any additional charges to fund such developments.
“We recognise the importance of costs to harbour users, particularly in difficult market conditions,” she said, “and our aim is to fund investments from our ongoing business model of normal annual inflation.”
When completed later this year, the 800-metre L-shaped Holmsgarth North jetty will provide deeper berthing – ultimately 10 metres – and more working area for the fishing fleet, while the outer arm will create a dock sheltering a planned new whitefish market.
The outer arm will also be suitable for berthing offshore industry vessels and cruise ships.
Deep-water facilities at Dales Voe are being expanded in support of offshore industry subsea developments and decommissioning, with the 12.5-metre deep quay being extended 75 metres to 130 metres.
Laurenson added: “By expanding our capacity and ensuring our competitiveness, we are underpinning Lerwick’s advantages – natural and developed – as a location supporting the fishing and offshore industries in the surrounding waters of the northern North Sea and Atlantic.”
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