Council / Storm causes damage to Grutness Pier
CONTRACTORS are assessing damage to the Grutness Pier in Sumburgh following stormy weather over the weekend.
The pier – which is currently under construction as part of work to replace the Fair Isle ferry – was affected by strong and prolonged northerly winds, brought on by Storm Benjamin.
Heavy sea swell at the pier has moved some of the first stonework placed as rock fill in preparation for the new Fair Isle ferry.
Shetland Islands Council confirmed the damage, and said contractors working on the project were now assessing what work may be needed to reinstate the site.
The council added it would be “taking action to mitigate any further weather impact in the coming months.”
Work began on the Grutness Pier back in April 2025, which has meant the Fair Isle ferry has been operating from Lerwick twice weekly instead.
The infrastructure works are part of the Fair Isle ferry replacement project, which will see a new ferry built and harbours upgraded at Grutness and in Fair Isle, at an anticipated total cost of £45.4 million.
Nearly £27 million of this is being met by the UK Government, with Shetland Islands Council contributing £18.6 million.
Construction and civil engineering company BAM Nuttall was awarded the £31.5 million contract to undertake the harbour infrastructure works for the project.
The council said in February it expected the works at Grutness to be completed in December 2025.
Works include new tubular piling to extend the Grutness pier and a breakwater extension to create a more sheltered berth.
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