THE construction of a £3.5 million pier in Shetland has been completed allowing for a new facility for aquaculture for commercial fishing industries on the island.
The new Toft Pier is three times larger than the previous jetty, which was originally built as a ferry terminal in the 70s. Shetland Islands Council said that the design will provide more berthing space for boats and better shelter in poor weather – as well as increased water depth on both the inside and outside of the pier.
It was constructed using sheet piles and internal tie rods, filled with crushed rock, and a reinforced concrete deck slab. Additional deck furniture, including fenders, bollards, lighting and other services have also been completed.
The principal design work for the Toft Pier has been carried out by NIRAS Ltd, and the main contractor was been Teignmouth Maritime Services (TMS) Ltd. Local subcontractors involved include EMN Plant Ltd, Malakoff Limited, Ocean Kinetics Limited, and Frank L Johnston (Shetland) Ltd.
Andrea Manson, chair of the Shetland Islands Council’s Harbour Board, and Alastair Cooper, Chair of the Council’s Development Committee, are both councillors for the area.
Andrea Manson, chair of the Shetland Islands Council, said, “This is tremendous news. There have been calls for a replacement pier since the new ferry terminal was built at Toft in 2004. I’m delighted that the council has been able to fund and oversee the construction of this new pier, which will be a huge benefit to the local shellfish industry in particular. Maritime and coastal industries are so important to our community and they are well supported by the council’s management of several ports and harbours around Shetland.”
Alastair Cooper, chair of Shetland Islands Council development committee, added, “This new pier will be a real asset to the local area and is an important investment by the council in the local aquaculture and renewables sector. Toft pier is a strategically important site for shellfish landings and has potential to support tidal energy projects too. I’m confident that this pier will help to create and sustain a diversified economy in the North Mainland.”
