New facilities at Lerwick ahead of record seasons

The outside arm of the jetty will be used initially for vessels up to 230mtr in length and Viking ships will be among a number to use Holmsgarth North this summer.

Lerwick Port Authority has commissioned a new unit to be used at the location to provide a focal meet-and-greet station and as an information point for visitors.

Victor Sandison, senior commercial executive, Lerwick Port Authority, said: ‘Holmsgarth North is significant addition to our capacity to welcome cruise ships alongside at a time when the port is attracting more passengers.’

Almost 62,000 passengers are expected this season, up 22% on 2016 and a new record. The number of ships due is expected to be 76, three fewer than last year, with July and August the busiest months, with 22 and 21 calls respectively.                                                                                           

The season gets underway this week with a visit on Friday by AIDAvita, on a 13-day Nordic Islands & Norway cruise. The last call is September 27 by Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jade on a transatlantic 11-day en route to New York, via Reykjavik.

There will be maiden calls by nine vessels, including Cruise and Maritime Voyages’ Columbus in July.

90 ships are currently booked for 2018 brining and an estimated almost 96,000 passengers, and includes ten new callers.

Sandison added: ‘Continuing growth in the cruise industry, our record bookings and our positive approach to industry requirements, including expanded infrastructure, all augur well for the port and the Shetland tourism sector in the future.’

The Port Authority will be participating as a member of Cruise Scotland at Seatrade Europe in Hamburg, Germany from September 6-8, 2017.