Business / ‘Reasons to feel hopeful’ says port chief executive
LERWICK Port Authority has seen a marked growth in the cargo handled during the first six months of 2021 as easing Covid-19 restrictions contributed to improved activity at the harbour.
Statistics published by the port this morning (Monday) show an 11 per cent increase to 367,067 tonnes of cargo handled overall, made up of significant growth on the NorthLink ferries and freight boats as well as Viking Energy related shipments.
There was a 58 per cent increase in ferry passenger footfall to 30,920, with no cruise ships arriving during the first six months of the year as Scottish ports were closed for the sector due to Covid restrictions.
Cruise ships started arriving again in July, initially with just UK passengers on board but this restriction has recently been lifted. The port has confirmed strong forward bookings for 2022.
However, there was a 15 per cent drop in tonnage of whitefish landed at the port’s new fish market. Overall box numbers were 99,733.
Port chief executive Calum Grains said: “We are gradually seeing a turnaround in port activity, with reasons to feel hopeful of continued progress if lockdowns can be avoided.”
He said discussions were ongoing with the industry over how to use the port for both onshore and offshore projects.
“More shipments for the Viking project are expected,” Grains added.
“Whitefish landings remain a concern with available quota challenges, and the herring season is now underway.
“High level discussions continue on the plan to develop an ultra deep water quay to enhance our – and the UK’s – decommissioning capabilities.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 630 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.