Steamship wreckage in the way of new harbour development

15 July 2022

The wreck of cargo ship, SS Portugal, which sank in Stornoway harbour in 1953 is to be removed to allow a safe seaway for vessels around the deep water port development at Glumaig Bay.

A sunken coal hulk will be cut down in size to allow a deeper clearance for the large sized ships expected to call in at the new harbour.

Dredging is to take place at a later stage to ensure a 10 metre depth of water in the main fairway area.

SS Portugal poses a navigational hazard, lying on the seabed in what will be the approach channel to the new berth, midway between Goat Island and the Arnish headland.

Another wreck causing concern is the Danish cargo steamship SS Alabama (pictured). The 114-metre-long Clyde-built vessel sank in December 1904 after seeking refuge while on a voyage from Denmark to Baltimore. She had 1,000 tons of coal onboard to fuel her steam engine when she went down after dragging anchor and grounding a rock.

She lies by what will be new freight ferry linkspan quay. Pieces of the ship - potentially up to 400 tonnes of steel - will be detached from the wreck and may be placed within the wreck superstructure.

Work boat MV C-Fenna which performed an initial survey in 2020 will return to Stornoway to assist in the wreckage removal.

The deep water port is one of the biggest projects ever undertaken in the Hebrides and promises to bring new income and jobs to the islands.

The facility will help accelerate growth in the cruise business, by providing a berth for larger ships that cannot currently go alongside the pier.

Also planned is improved berthing and servicing for oil and renewables projects as well as a new linkspan/freight ferry berth.

Bulk cargo handling and storage facilities are on the cards which can enable the relocation of oil terminal and storage tanks out of the centre of Stornoway.

SS Alabama sank in Stornoway harbour