Lerwick Harbour invests in the future with shore power project

From fishing and aquaculture to energy, freight, cruise tourism and lifeline ferry services, Lerwick Harbour sits at the heart of Shetland’s connection with the wider world.

The harbour has been key to the islands’ economy for generations, adapting to meet the needs of changing industries and emerging opportunities. Now, a new investment in shore power infrastructure will support passenger and freight vessels to 'plug in' and switch off their engines.

Lerwick Port Authority, working in partnership with Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), has developed a new shore power scheme for Holmsgarth Berth 3, allowing NorthLink vessels to connect directly to electricity while alongside in Lerwick. Once operational, vessels will be able to switch off onboard generators and draw power from the harbour’s electrical network during port calls.

The project builds on existing shore power capabilities, reflecting long-term investment that continues to support Shetland’s role as a hub for maritime activity and the sectors it supports.

Few places demonstrate Shetland’s connection to global markets quite like Lerwick Harbour.

Every year, the harbour supports a wide range of activity. Passenger ferries provide vital links with mainland Scotland, while commercial vessels serve industries including fishing, aquaculture, energy and logistics. Cruise ships bring visitors from around the world, and the harbour continues to play an important role in supporting offshore activity across the North Sea and beyond.

The diversity of sectors operating through the harbour is one of its great strengths. It also means that it must continue to develop to serve traditional and emerging industries as technologies and technical requirements evolve.

The latest shore power project is part of that ongoing process.

Although the immediate purpose of the new scheme is to serve NorthLink vessels, the project has been designed with the future in mind. The infrastructure will support current operations while also helping prepare for future vessel requirements as the maritime sector continues to evolve. Contracts have been awarded to Frank L Johnston (Shetland) Ltd and ABB Marine & Ports UK to deliver the civil engineering and electrical works associated with the project. Arch Henderson, part of Haskoning, and with an office in Lerwick, leads the design and construction programme.

The investment demonstrates further evidence of Shetland organisations' willingness to make strategic long-term investments to strengthen infrastructure, support economic activity and help position Shetland for future opportunities.

The new development is not the first step into shore power for Lerwick Harbour.

In recent years, usage of shore power facilities elsewhere in the harbour has grown significantly. At Mair’s Pier alone, high-capacity shore power connections have supplied almost nine gigawatt hours of electricity since installation, with annual usage averaging around 1.7 gigawatt hours in recent years.

That experience provides a strong foundation for the next phase of development.

According to Lerwick Port Authority Chief Executive Captain Calum Grains, the project reflects a commitment to developing infrastructure that supports future customer requirements while further strengthening the harbour’s capabilities.

The new infrastructure will also contribute to efforts to reduce emissions within the maritime sector.

Once connected to shore power, vessels can switch off onboard generators while berthed, reducing emissions and noise in port. The project forms part of broader initiatives supported by CMAL and Transport Scotland to reduce the environmental impact of port operations and vessel activity.

For island communities that rely heavily on maritime transport, finding practical ways to improve sustainability will become increasingly important in the years ahead.

Projects such as this demonstrate how infrastructure investment can support both operational requirements and environmental ambitions without compromising the essential services on which communities depend.

Civil engineering works began in mid-2026 and are expected to take around 14 months. Although the new infrastructure may be largely unseen, it's the kind of investment that indicates Shetland's desire to keep moving forward.

Over the decades, Shetland has built a reputation for recognising opportunities, adapting to change and investing to support long-term prosperity. Today, traditional industries sit alongside emerging sectors, creating a diverse and dynamic economy that continues to evolve – many of them relying on traffic through Lerwick and other harbours in one way or another.

In Shetland, public bodies, private organisations and industry partners work together to deliver practical improvements that strengthen the foundations for future growth. Whether supporting transport links, enabling business activity or helping sectors transition towards new technologies, partnership working remains one of Shetland’s greatest assets.

Combined with bold ambitions for the islands as a place where everyone can thrive, there is a willingness to plan for the future and deliver solutions to future challenges. Rather than simply responding to immediate challenges, organisations across the islands continue to make decisions that aim to benefit the economy, communities and environment for years to come.

For those looking at Shetland from the outside, whether as a place to invest, build a career, grow a business or establish new partnerships, developments like this offer a glimpse of what makes the islands distinctive. Behind many of Shetland’s success stories lies a shared commitment to collaboration, innovation and long-term thinking – and a community and economy that continue to invest in themselves and work together to create the conditions for future success. Together.

Invest in Shetland - discover more about the islands' ambitions, expertise and resilience.