News / Port announces new Holmsgarth jetty
LERWICK Port Authority is embarking on the next phase of its harbour development programme with the construction of large new jetty to serve the isles’ fishing industry.
The port said on Tuesday that construction of a £17 million L-shaped jetty at Holmsgarth North would start later this summer.
Extending to over 630 metres of quayside, with ultimately 10 metres of water alongside, the outer arm of the Holmsgarth North jetty will also be suitable for offshore industry vessels.
Once completed, a new fish market will be built at Mair’s Quay, a development that was opened only last year.
Chief executive Sandra Laurenson said the port’s plans would help secure Lerwick’s position as a leading fishing port in the UK.
“The main economic driver for this community is the marine sector and by meeting the requirements for fish landings in the future, that economy can flourish,” she said.
Latest figures show that in the first quarter of this year 32,577 tonnes of fish, valued at £33.14 million, were landed at Lerwick harbour, an increase of 40 per cent in tonnage, and 57 per cent in value on the same period in 2013.
Shetland Fishermen’s Association executive officer Simon Collins said the announcement of the new jetty was a “huge vote of confidence” in the fishing industry.
“Lerwick Harbour is a busy place and one of the main reasons for that is a big increase lately in the amount of fish landed – so there is certainly a need for more quayside space for fishing boats,” he said.
“It’s also a positive move in support of the industry, confirming our belief that we can and will overcome serious challenges such as the discard ban and emerge even stronger on the other side.”
The industry has been involved in discussions about the specifications for the proposed new fish market at Mair’s Quay.
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