New pier experiences surge in activity

August 1, 2013 at 11:42 am

A busy Hatston Pier. (Picture Colin Keldie/K4 Graphics) — A busy Hatston Pier. (Picture: Colin Keldie/K4 Graphics)

The recently extended Hatston pier has been used by more tidal energy technologies than at any other single site in the world.

Five tidal energy developers – OpenHydro, Alstom Hydro, Scotrenewables Tidal Power, ANDRITZ Hydro Hammerfest and Voith Hydro – have all used the new facilities in recent weeks, with four devices currently on the quayside.

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

The 160-metre extension to the existing 225-metre pier was built to provide a major support and logistics base for marine renewable energy industry and was officially opened earlier this year.

Orkney Islands Council’s £8 million project to extend Hatston Pier attracted £3.2 million in support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Council Vice-Convener Jim Foubister said: “It is great to see such a high level of activity so soon after the completion of the pier extension.

“Our primary aim in extending the pier was to support the marine renewable energy sector, so we are delighted to see so many tidal developers making good use of the new facilities.

“Without the extension, it would have been impossible for so many companies to have sufficient space to work alongside each other as they prepare their turbines for sea.”