LERWICK

• GBLER
• Latitude: 60.1676
• Longitude: -1.15224
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Port in UK

Location: Lerwick Shetland Islands ZE1 0LL UK

Phone number: +44 1595 692991

Web-site: http://www.lerwick-harbour.co.uk/

Lerwick is a well-established port located in the Shetland Islands, situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is the main port for the Shetland Islands and plays a critical role in transportation, trade, and energy activities in the region. Below is a comprehensive description and specification of Lerwick Port:

Location:

• Coordinates: Approximately 60.1550° N latitude and -1.1450° W longitude.
• Country: United Kingdom
• Region: Shetland Islands, Scotland

Key Features:

• Harbor Type: Natural, deep-water harbor with multiple piers and docks.
• Water Depth: The harbor provides a significant depth range, accommodating various sizes of vessels. Average depth ranges from 8 to 13 meters at different berths.
• Navigation: Lerwick Harbor is well-equipped with modern navigation aids, including lighthouses, buoys, beacons, and electronic navigation systems to ensure safe entry and exit for vessels.

Facilities:

• Quays and Berths: Multiple quays and berths serve different types of vessels, including cargo ships, ferries, fishing vessels, and oil supply ships. Notable berths include:
  • Holmsgarth Terminal: Serves Ro-Ro ferries and has facilities for handling vehicles and passengers.
  • Greenhead Base: Primarily serves offshore oil and gas sector support vessels, featuring significant quay space and dockside cranes.
  • Mair’s Yard: Comprises several deep-water berths suited for large commercial ships.
• Warehousing and Storage: Ample storage facilities are available, including covered warehouses and open storage yards for bulk, breakbulk, and containerized cargo.
• Cranes and Equipment: The port is equipped with a range of cranes and handling equipment, such as mobile harbor cranes, fixed on-dock cranes, and specialized lifting gear to handle diverse types of cargo, including heavy machinery and containers.

Services:

• Pilotage and Towage: Pilotage is available and often compulsory for larger ships. Towage services are provided by powerful tugs for maneuvering vessels within the harbor.
• Bunkering: Fuel bunkering services are available for all visiting vessels, with various grades of marine fuels.
• Repairs and Maintenance: Ship repair services, including dry-docking and maintenance facilities, are offered at the port.
• Customs and Immigration: Full customs and border control services cater to both cargo and passenger vessels, ensuring compliance with international regulations.

Economic Activities:

• Fishing Industry: Lerwick is one of the leading ports in the UK for fish landings, with significant facilities dedicated to the fishing industry.
• Energy Sector: A hub for the North Sea oil and gas activities, providing logistical support to offshore installations.
• Freight and Trade: Handles a diverse range of cargo, including livestock, building materials, fuel, food supplies, and consumer goods crucial for the island's commerce.

Connectivity:

• Road Access: Well-connected to the main road network within Shetland, facilitating the smooth transport of goods.
• Ferry Services: Regular ferry services connect Lerwick with mainland Scotland and other islands in the archipelago, vital for passenger and freight movement.
• Air Links: Sumburgh Airport, approximately 25 miles south of Lerwick, provides both domestic and international flights, further enhancing connectivity.

Environmental Considerations:

• Sustainability Initiatives: Lerwick Port Authority is engaged in various environmental and sustainability initiatives, including managing port operations to minimize environmental impact, collaborating in marine conservation efforts, and investing in renewable energy projects.

Contact Information:

• Port Authority: Lerwick Port Authority
• Website: Lerwick Port Authority
• Phone: +44 (0)1595 692991

Lerwick Port is a vital maritime hub that serves not just the Shetland Islands but also has strategic importance for the UK, facilitating trade, supporting industry, and enhancing regional connectivity.