The Port Of Lerwick
Lerwick Harbour on the Shetland Isles is a mile from the town centre on the South Mainland. It has two entrances open to shipping in all weathers and operates around-the-clock.
Lerwick's day to day life revolves around its busy harbour. During the summer months yachts, cruise liners, private yachts and motor cruisers arrive from ports all around the North Atlantic.
The narrow peninsula which runs 25 miles south from Lerwick has some of Shetland's more dramatic scenery. It has an abundance of archaeological sites. Seabird cliffs, wildfowl lochs, seal rookeries and whale-watching viewpoints are all on the top of the list for the islands wildlife tourists.
For walkers there are excellent routes round the coastline and along the ridge of hills which forms the spine of the South Mainland. Lerwick has a population of around 7,500, approximately one third of Shetland's total population.
Since the 1960's, almost £50 million has been invested in the redevelopment of the port which handles around 5,500 vessels annually Sailings from Lerwick to Aberdeen ferry port are operated by Northlink Ferries.
Port of Lerwick services
Positioned on the North Channel to the northeast of Belfast, the Port of Larne is the most active ferry port in Northern Ireland. Almost 1 million passengers pass through the port and it handles about 200, 000 vehicles annually. Larne's port provides the shortest nautical route to mainland UK and is well linked to the network of public transport.
Amenities at the ferry port are advanced and comprehensive and feature: ATM services, relaxing lounges, a convenience store, buffet-style dining, bus and railway stations and a tourist information service. Amenities are also in place for physically disabled travellers and mothers with toddlers. Short-stay and long-stay car parking facilities are available near the ferry terminal as well.
There are two principal ferry crossings between Larne and mainland UK and one seasonal sailing. P&O Irish Sea is the chief operating ferry company with the popular, year-round sea voyage between Larne and Cairnryan. This route is available nine times daily in the summer. The duration of the voyage is approximately 1 hour, 45 minutes. From March to October, the sailing between Larne and Troon is available two daily times with a 2 hours crossing time.
Stena Line Ferry Company provides the other service to mainland UK. They operate a sailing from Larne to Fleetwood in northwest England. The craft which operates the route in the summer is a conventional roll-on, roll-off vessel. Sailings occur up to three times daily and the duration of the voyage is 8 hours. Both shipping companies run advanced crafts that are well equipped with excellent on board amenities guaranteeing a trouble free journey.
Enquiries number: +44 282 887 2100