2025 brings up a significant milestone in the history of the UK’s energy sector, as it marks 50 years since construction began on what would become one of Europe’s largest oil and gas terminals.

Work at the site began in 1975, following the landmark Zetland County Council Act of 1974, which granted the Shetland Islands Council the authority to centralise oil infrastructure at Sullom Voe - a visionary move that shaped the islands’ industrial future.

During the peak of construction, over 7,000 workers were employed on site, with many housed in temporary accommodation camps at Firth and Toft, or on the repurposed car ferries, Stena Baltica and Rangatira. Surrounding communities were dramatically reshaped, with newly built schools, modern roads, and expanded housing to support the growing workforce.

The terminal received its first oil in November 1978 from the Dunlin Field and was officially opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in May 1981. At its peak, SVT's production throughput reached 1.5 million barrels per day, making it the homegrown energy backbone of the UK.

Today, EnQuest is proud to celebrate this remarkable legacy with a year-long programme of events - starting with a specially commissioned video honouring the people, progress, and future of the Sullom Voe Terminal.