Lerwick

Another successful cruise season closes at Lerwick

November 5, 2025 17:55

Promising outlook for Shetland port and island tourism Lerwick Harbour has completed another busy cruise season, with strong forward bookings over several years and added bonus for Shetland. The final arrival was the 219-metre, 55,877 gross tonne Vasco da Gama which berthed at Mairs Pier East today (Wednesday 5 November 2025), en route from Haugesund, Norway, to Hamburg, Germany. Lerwick Port Authority Cruise & Marketing Manager, Melanie Henderson, said: “It is always satisfying to close another successful season - from harbour operations and tour providers to local businesses and community partners. The local supply chain pulls together to ensure every visitor receives the warm Shetland welcome we’re known for. “It is also reassuring suppliers can plan ahead, with confirmed forward bookings into 2030, and 149 already scheduled for next year.” In 2025, 34 different cruise lines featured Lerwick in their itineraries, bringing passengers from across the globe – including the USA (40%); Germany and the EU (37%); UK (16%) and the rest of world (5%), sustaining activity from April to October/November. With 127 vessels arriving in 2025, the 965 passengers on Vasco da Gama brought the passenger total for the season to over 129,972, slightly down on last year’s record, due to occasional North Sea weather disruptions. Mid-sized expedition vessels are the most frequent arrivals, but Lerwick can handle all sizes, including mega ships at anchor. The port remains a key strategic stop on round-Britain and northern European itineraries. The cruise industry plays a vital role in supporting Shetland’s tourism economy, with passenger spend directly benefiting local suppliers, hospitality and attractions. Looking ahead, a multi-million-pound dredging project scheduled for completion early next year will further enhance access and berthing capacity, positioning Lerwick to welcome a larger generation of vessels at Mair’s Pier in the future. Melanie Henderson added: “It’s encouraging to see sustained confidence from cruise lines and local partners alike. Our continued investment in infrastructure and collaboration will keep Lerwick at the forefront of the Scottish cruise sector.”

Dredging into second phase with world's bigget backhoe dregder

August 14, 2025 12:00

The second phase of a major dredging project at Lerwick Harbour is set to get underway mid-month (August) following successful completion of an initial phase on time and budget in July. The resumption of dredging by Boskalis Westminster Ltd follows the arrival of the world’s biggest backhoe dredger, Magnor, today (Thursday 14 August 2025). The latest contract award was led by project managers, Scottish-based Arch Henderson, part of international consulting engineers, Haskoning. The project is supported by Bank of Scotland and Scottish Government agency, Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Scott Joyce, relationship manager at Bank of Scotland, said: “It’s great to see the Magnor arrive in Lerwick - a real milestone in what is a hugely important project. These upgrades will help attract large energy and decommissioning projects, while also opening up new opportunities for fishing, cruise and renewables. “We’re pleased to be working alongside Lerwick Port Authority on a project that has the potential to drive long-term benefits for the port and Shetland’s wider economy.” The initial soft dredge phase at the Shetland port was completed on time and on budget, with trailer suction hopper dredger, Shoalway, departing on 21 July. For the second phase of hard dredging, Magnor is accompanied by two Union support tugs, Onyx and Topaz, the split hopper barge, Terraferre 501 and a survey vessel, Aramis.The dredger will operate in Dales Voe and Gremista basin adjacent to Mair’s Pier, as well as the North Ness Channel. Captain Calum Grains, Port Authority Chief Executive, said: “With excellent progress made, the project is scheduled for completion in February 2026, enabling larger vessels to use the harbour and benefitting a range of sectors, including pelagic fishing, cruise and energy. “We are grateful to Bank of Scotland and HIE for their support on a project of this scale.” Soft seabed materials and hard rock removed in the two phases is expected to total 450,000 cubic metres, with disposal north of the island of Bressay.