The significant benefits for the cruise industry from Lerwick Port Authority’s major dredging project will be promoted at an international exhibition next week.
As a member of marketing organisation, Cruise Scotland, the Authority will return to Seatrade Europe, at Hamburg, on booth 221 in Hall A4, from 10-12 September.
Dredging by Boskalis Westminster Ltd, now in its second phase, will deepen access channels and berths, facilitating calls by larger vessels. The biggest project at the Shetland port yet, it is due for completion by year-end in early 2026 and will benefit various sectors, including cruise.
Widening the channel at North Ness will provide extra margin for navigation required by some of the larger cruise ships now using the port’s Mair's Pier, and dredging will provide a consistent berthing depth alongside so the larger ships can use more of the 275m quay length available.
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Melanie HendersonCruise & Marketing Manager, Lerwick Port Authority“The port’s facilities and services and Shetland’s multiple attractions are well-recognised by the cruise sector. The Another strong cruise season is expected to wrap up in late October, with around 134 ships and thousands of passengers welcomed to Shetland.
The outlook remains bright, with bookings already confirmed through to 2029, dredging will mean added interest from next year. Examples of customers that will benefit directly from dredging will include SAGA, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, AIDA and Viking.”
