News / Mixed fortunes for port
THE LATEST traffic figures released by Lerwick Port Authority confirm how Shetland is feeling the impact from the current downturn in the oil and gas sector.
The port said that oil and gas related vessel arrivals were down 28 per cent during the first six months of the year, carrying 16 per cent less cargo than in 2015.
However, the downturn is compensated for by this year’s record cruise line season which has already seen a 60 per cent increase in the number of cruise passengers to almost 20,000 since April.
Port chief executive Sandra Laurenson said the 2016 performance so far was in line with expectations.
“The cruise industry is proving to be the highlight of the year, with the promise of a record-breaking season and more to come in 2017,” she said.
“However, the oil and gas industry statistics are a stark reminder that it is not just Northeast Scotland which is hit by the severe downturn in operations which has also impacted on Shetland and elsewhere.
Currently, our expectation is that, with the close-out of some subsea projects this year, 2017 will possibly be even quieter for us for oil & gas traffic.”
Usage of the Lerwick to Kirkwall and Aberdeen ferries between January and June remained steady at 61,157, with the combined cruise/ferry passenger total rising 10 per cent at 80,831.
The pelagic sector contributed to higher overall fish landings – 21,966 tonnes, valued at £19.3 million – up 7.5 per cent on volume and 9.5 per cent on value.
The figure included 4,400 tonnes of white fish, valued at £7.0 million – down 7 per cent on volume and 1.4 per cent on value, with the price per tonne at £1,597.
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