Strong first half performance at Lerwick Harbour

Ship arrivals at the Shetland port increased by 7% to 2752, including a 14% jump in fishing vessels, reflecting higher landings of both pelagic and whitefish, a 10% rise in visiting yachts due to the popularity of the Bergen-Shetland Race and North Sea Triangle competition, and oil-related vessels up 2%, thanks in part to supporting the Rosebank field development.

The tonnage of oil-related vessels was up 9% at 724,894 gross tonnes as a result of support for oil and gas projects.

The overall tonnage of vessels was down, however, by 5% at 7,527,932 gross tonnes, due to fewer cruise ships during the period.

Oil-related cargo surged by 81% to 35,090 tonnes, thanks to support for subsea decommissioning projects and equipment shipped for other industry activities. Total cargo was up 5% at 430,461 tonnes, including a 4% increase in cargo on roll-on/roll-off ferries between Lerwick and Kirkwall/Aberdeen.

Captain Calum GrainsLerwick Port Authority Chief Executive

“We’ve seen exceptional activity in some key sectors in the first half of the year, and the latest figures underscore the port’s pivotal role in Shetland’s economy and the contribution by the wider supply chain, all of which points to a positive outlook.”

Due to unplanned drydocking of ferries, overall passenger numbers were down 13% at 127,817. Fewer cruise ships at the start of the season, with adverse weather a factor, meant a 21% drop in visiting passengers to 56,302.

Whitefish landings were up 2% at 111,156 boxes.

With fewer cruise ships, there were 603 pilotage movements for the period, down 2% on 2024, and the tonnage of vessels piloted dropped 14% to 7,478,742 gross tonnes.

The outlook includes continuing movement of materials for offshore developments; the second phase of dredging works commencing and laying the groundwork for future developments and opportunities; a new container park in use; and another 26 cruise ships by end-season in October.