Oil Service Base

Lerwick Harbour continues to evolve its support for the offshore oil and gas industry, based on around 40 years' experience of servicing exploration, production and development in northern waters and now, increasingly, the onshore and offshore decommissioning of installations.

The advantages of the port’s strategic proximity to operations in the northern North Sea and Atlantic are complemented by well-developed facilities and services, making it one of the country’s leading marine centres for industry.  

All quays are operated by the Port Authority and are common user. There are six berths, with up to nine metres’ water depth at Greenhead where international company, Peterson SBS’s multi-purpose support base includes decommissioning and fabrication facilities, engineering works, offices and warehousing, lifting and distribution, plus open storage and laydown.

There is also deep-water berthing for rigwork and decommissioning projects at the sheltered Dales Voe base, with 12.5 metres water depth alongside.

More information on the Authority's future plans for supporting onshore and offshore oil and gas developments can be found on our Bulletins page. 

Facilities & services at the 24-hour port include:

• Over 900 metres of deep-water berthing
• Licensed decommissioning pad (SEPA Approved)
• Quayside waste management and drill cuttings recycling
• Adjacent modern landfill site
• Heavy lift capability
• Engineering
• Bunkers and fresh water
• Project support
• Laydown areas, open storage and warehousing
• Environmental services
• Skilled workforce