Lerwick Harbour said it delivered a strong performance across key sectors in the first half of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024.
Ship arrivals at the Shetland port increased 7% to 2,752, including a 14% jump in fishing vessels, reflecting higher landings of both pelagic and whitefish.
A 10% rise in visiting yachts was due to the popularity of the Bergen-Shetland Race and North Sea Triangle competition, and oil-related vessels were up 2%, thanks in part to supporting the Rosebank field development.
The tonnage of oil-related vessels was up 9% at 724,894 gross tonnes as a result of support for oil and gas projects.
The overall tonnage of vessels was down, however, by 5% at 7,527,932 gross tonnes, due to fewer cruise ships during the period.
Oil-related cargo surged by 81% to 35,090 tonnes, thanks to support for subsea decommissioning projects and equipment shipped for other industry activities.
Total cargo was up 5% at 430,461 tonnes, including a 4% increase in cargo on roll-on/roll-off ferries between Lerwick and Kirkwall/Aberdeen.
“Due to unplanned drydocking of ferries, overall passenger numbers were down 13% at 127,817,” said Lerwick Harbour.
“Fewer cruise ships at the start of the season, with adverse weather a factor, meant a 21% drop in visiting passengers to 56,302.
“Whitefish landings were up 2% at 111,156 boxes.
“With fewer cruise ships, there were 603 pilotage movements for the period, down 2% on 2024, and the tonnage of vessels piloted dropped 14% to 7,478,742 gross tonnes.
“The outlook includes continuing movement of materials for offshore developments; the second phase of dredging works commencing and laying the groundwork for future developments and opportunities; a new container park in use; and another 26 cruise ships by end-season in October.”