Labour’s Scottish Secretary Ian Murray has joined Western Isles MP Torcuil Crichton in welcoming the announcement that the Arnish fabrication yard in Stornoway has won its first major contract under new owners Navantia UK.
The year-long deal will see the Arnish team deliver critical subsea components for
a project in Trinidad and Tobago. This new agreement builds upon the facility's growing
reputation in the subsea sector and will support continued workforce expansion at
the site.
The order from McDermott Trinidad Ltd for the manufacture of subsea structures, further establishes the Arnish site's position as a centre of excellence for energy infrastructure, the company said.
Ian Murray described the contract as a vindication of Labour’s deal for the yard takeover and the government’s industrial strategy to protect and create jobs.
Mr Crichton said the year-long contract on subsea components as a “win for the Western
Isles” which will secure jobs at the yard.
Arnish was bought by Navantia earlier this year after the Labour government brokered
a deal for the Spanish state-owned company to take over four UK yards from the previous
owners Harland & Wolff.
Mr Crichton said: “This latest contract is a new beginning for Arnish and a massive endorsement the workforce and management.
“The yard already specialised in subsea work, but Navantia recognised the quality
of the work produced there when the Labour government negotiated their take-over
of the operation. This contract is the first win for Arnish under the company and
a win for the Western Isles.”
Labour’s Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray, who played a key role in ensuring Arnish and the Methill yard in Fife were included in the Navantia takeover, also welcomed the news.
He said: "This contract for Arnish is great news. It’s a real vindication of our fresh approach to our industrial strategy, which has helped secure the future of both the Arnish and Methill yards in Scotland.
“We are not just protecting jobs – we're creating new ones and establishing the Scotland as a global hub for energy infrastructure. This shows how our Plan for Change is delivering real results for Scotland's communities."
Arnish yard wins Caribbean subsea manufacturing contract
25 February 2025