Work on the next phase of a major investment in the facilities at Lerwick harbour is expected to be finished in the autumn.
It is the second stage of a three-step project to significantly upgrade fishing industry facilities at the Shetland port
Industry representatives are being updated on progress at Skipper Expo International, in Aberdeen, where Lerwick Port Authority is among a record-busting 194 exhibitors at the annual industry showcase.
The latest work on LPA’s Holmsgarth North jetty is part of developments worth a total of about £30million at the harbour this year.
LPA chief executive Sandra Laurenson said: “The sequence of interlocking projects underlines the importance of recognising the industry’s future requirements, planning ahead and investing accordingly.”
The 2,600ft-plus, £16.5million L-shaped Holmsgarth North jetty will provide deeper berthing and more working space for the local fishing fleet.
It will also feature a dock sheltering a new fish market on Mair’s Quay.
Ms Laurenson said: “The new infrastructure sets us up well for the transformation of this part of the port to become our fishing hub.
“The design of the fish market is ready and discussions are well-advanced with supporting companies seeking to relocate to the new location.
“The next big step is getting a positive outcome to our application from the European Maritime Fisheries Fund for the replacement fish market.”
Construction of the fish market can start only after the Holmsgarth North work but the later project is expected to be competed by the end of 2018.