Opening ceremony for Hatston pier extension

A ceremony took place today to mark the opening of a pier in Orkney that will serve as a major base for the marine renewable energy industry.

At 385 metres – almost a quarter of a mile – the newly extended Hatston Pier is now Scotland’s longest commercial deep-water berth.

The 160-metre extension to the existing 225-metre pier was officially opened by Neil Kermode, managing director of the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC).

The pier, on the outskirts of Kirkwall, is strategically located for EMEC’s test site off Eday, where a number of tidal energy devices are undergoing trials.

The extension to Hatston marks the completion of the second phase in the Council’s Three Port Strategy to support the development of wave and tidal energy generation in the islands.

A former wartime naval base at Lyness already has a new lease of life as a multi-purpose logistics base for the wave and tidal energy sectors, while a new 100 metre Pier at Copland’s Dock in Stromness is currently under construction.

As well as supporting the marine renewable energy sector, Hatston Pier will also serve as a berth for a variety of vessels, including ferries, cruise ships and those serving the offshore oil and gas industries.