Stornoway deep water port design

Stornoway Port Authority has awarded a major contract to design one of the biggest projects ever undertaken in the Hebrides.

Marine consulting civil engineers Wallace Stone have been chosen to take forward plans for the first phase of a deep-water port

The development - to be located between Arnish and the mouth of the River Creed - is said to have the potential to create more than 200 jobs throughout the Outer Hebrides and have a major impact on tourism in the islands.

The contract award was announced during a visit to the port by Aileen Campbell, Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government.

Mrs Campbell said: “Our coastal seas are a central feature of Scotland’s economy and our plans for job creation and economic growth. Remote communities in particular benefit from marine tourism which generates additional business, jobs and prosperity.

“The creation of a new deep-water facility, which will allow cruise ships to berth alongside, will have a positive effect on the wider economy for years to come.”

“Through the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, the Scottish Government has contributed £1.75m to the marina project.

“We are fully supportive of the ports industry, and we recognise the hugely beneficial impact Stornoway Port Authority (SPA) has on both the local, regional and national economy.”

It is hoped construction on the deep-water port could start early next year with a target for completion by mid-2021.

The harbour board said development is crucial to accelerate local growth in the burgeoning cruise business, by providing improved facilities for larger ships that cannot currently berth alongside.

At present, Stornoway attracts relatively few large cruise vessels, as those over 156 metres in length are unable to berth alongside, and passengers are brought ashore by small tender.

To maintain and grow the cruise market, Stornoway needs a facility for berthing cruise ships up to 350 metres long.

This would attract around an additional 40 vessels a year, creating a significant number of business opportunities throughout the island as visitor numbers entering through the port continue to increase.

The project also includes a new deep-water berth for a freight ferry and for larger cargo vessels; berthing and unloading facilities for renewable energy components; development land for a range of uses, including industrial, storage and decommissioning activities; and a new link road along the foreshore to Arnish fabrication yard.

The works will include land remodelling, dredging, land reclamation, a new quay, finger pier and linkspan and associated civil engineering works.

Stornoway Port Authority chief executive Alex Macleod said: “The awarding of the design contract is another major step towards the development of the deep-water port and the long-term vision of the master plan.

“The facility is much-needed and offers huge potential for Stornoway and the whole of the Outer Hebrides in terms of increasing visitor numbers and the jobs that it will help create.”

Cabinet secretary Aileen Campbell with Stornoway Port Authority chief executive Alex Macleod

Stornoway deep water port design contract awarded

18 April 2019