1 February, 2008

LERWICK harbour has seen increased oil related traffic to compensate for losses in other business, according to figures released yesterday (Thursday).

Last year saw work begin at the port on its largest oil decommissioning project yet resulting in a significant increase in the number of oil related vessels calling at the harbour, as well as the volume of cargo handled.

Oil related traffic was up by 14.5 percent to 559 vessels with cargo growing to almost 1.7 million tonnes, an increase of 27.6 per cent.

A total of 5,074 vessels arrived at the Shetland port, a drop of 3.9 percent, mainly due to a decrease in the number of salmon farm workboats. Shipping was down 9.6 percent at 10,555,788 gross tonnes, principally because of fewer ferry visits.

Lerwick Port Authority chief executive Sandra Laurenson said: "The variety of factors influencing activity in 2007 and the upturn in cargo handled underline our commitment to the continuing development of traffic, facilities and services."

Passenger numbers using the port fell by almost 14 per cent to 135,595 due to a number of factors, according to the port.

Ms Laurenson said that NorthLink's two passenger ferries had been briefly out-of-service for upgrading, while more competition from the Air Discount Scheme on air fares also had an impact on numbers.

The reduced timetable for Smyril Line's ferry Norröna, and a number of cruise liner cancellations pushed figures further down.

The port again attracted more than 40 cruise ships, though one less than the 43 who visited the previous year, and the number of yachts fell from 452 to 404.

Meanwhile pilotage services for the year showed an increase of 42 per cent at 1,285, with the total tonnage of vessels piloted rising 25 per cent at 6,124,141 gross tonnes, largely as a result of the increased oil-related traffic.

Fish landings however increased in volume and value to 112,730 tonnes (up by 8.1 per cent) and £55 million (up 12.5 per cent) respectively.

These include white fish landings, steady at 8,653 tonnes and £12.94 million (2006 - 8,786 tonnes and £12.91 million), with an average price per tonne of £1,495, (2006 - £1,470). Pelagic fish landings and landings to the fishmeal and fish oil plant on Bressay both increased in tonnage and value.

Ms Laurenson added: "2008 will be another significant year, with a major dredging and reclamation project underway, leading to future opportunities."