Lerwick Port Authority has initiated an ambitious two-phase infrastructure project aimed at significantly enhancing its deep-water capabilities to accommodate larger vessels and meet the evolving needs of maritime industries.
Dutch contractor Boskalis Westminster has been awarded the first phase of the contract, valued at approximately £3.2 million, with Scottish engineering consultancy Arch Henderson overseeing project management.
The development is set to benefit a range of sectors, including pelagic fishing, cruise tourism, oil and gas operations, and the growing renewable energy market.
The port enhancement entails extensive dredging operations, involving trailer suction and backhoe dredgers, complemented by marine drilling and blasting techniques.
An estimated 450,000 cubic metres of seabed will be excavated. Phase one of the project, focused on soft dredging, commenced in June with completion expected by July.
The trailing suction hopper dredger Shoalway is engaged for this initial stage, while the backhoe dredger Odin will take over in the more challenging hard dredge phase, scheduled to conclude by year’s end.
Significant structural improvements are included in the scope: the central port area and approaches at Dales Voe will be deepened; the North Ness channel widened; and Mair’s Pier dredged to a depth of ten metres.
Additionally, a quay section at Dales Voe will be deepened to 12.5m, with final underwater clearances of 14.5m at the quayside and 16m in the outer approaches, ensuring the port is well-equipped to serve modern maritime traffic and future industry demands.
