BAM Nuttall has been confirmed as the main contractor for an £11.95m project to expand Lerwick Harbour in the Shetlands.

The scheme will see the quay at Dales Voe South extended in order to support subsea developments and decommissioning.

In a statement, Lerwick Port Authority said the extended quay will provide deep-water, versatile berthing and heavy load capacity to take an offshore structure in a single lift, with a substantial, expanded laydown area.

The contract will see the quay extended by around 75 metres, with a load-bearing capacity of 60 tonnes per square metre. It will have 12.5 metres water depth alongside, and the sheltered voe has 24-hour access to the North Sea. The extension will be complemented by an increased, adjacent laydown for equipment and materials.


Work is expected to commence on the project in April 2015, with completion due in April next year. Up to 40 people will be employed directly in the construction of the new facility, with wider benefits spreading to local suppliers and subcontractors.

Civil Engineers, Arch Henderson LLP, is responsible for design and project management of the development.

Dougie Grant, BAM Nuttall's Business Unit Manager for Scotland, said: "We've been tracking the proposals for Dales Voe for over a year now and we're delighted to have been chosen by the Port Authority as their construction partner.

"We understand the positive impact this scale of investment can have locally and we look forward to engaging proactively with the Shetland community to ensure this benefit is fully realised."

Captain Calum Grains, Port Authority Deputy Chief Executive and Harbourmaster, added: "Dales Voe South is another value-added expansion and reflects our confidence in future activity, including ongoing subsea projects, particularly west of Shetland, and the developing decommissioning and offshore renewable markets."

(JP/IT)