£49 million Stornoway terminal handed over to operators

A Scottish Government-backed deep-water terminal which will support future renewable energy developments and cruise ship opportunities on the Western Isles has been officially handed over to operators by Deputy First Minister Shona Robison. 

Ms Robison toured the new Stornoway deep-water terminal to mark the end of the construction phase. It has delivered a new terminal with a cruise ship berthing facility capable of accommodating vessels more than 1,000 feet long (330 metres) and a new deep-water dock for large cargo vessels, to allow the berthing and unloading of components for renewable energy and other key industry sectors.

The project – which cost £49 million in total – is being supported with £33.7 million of Scottish Government funding to help boost the island’s economy. This initiative involved partnership working between the Scottish Government, Stornoway Port Authority, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the local authority Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, and Visit Scotland. 

McLauglin and Harvey were selected by Stornoway Port Authority to deliver the construction of the new Deep Water Terminal 

Ms Robison said:

“This significant infrastructure project will help unlock Stornoway – and the wider region’s – full economic potential both as a green energy gateway and a magnet for the lucrative cruise ship market, which is expected to be worth £13 billion globally by 2031.

“The completion of construction marks the culmination of dedicated partnership working – allowing us to create a development of real value, boosting the islands’ economy as part of our efforts to deliver economic growth in every part of Scotland.

“The Scottish Government is fully committed to investing in our rural and island communities, helping them thrive – and empowering people to enjoy the unique employment opportunities and strong sense of community that life on our islands offers.”

Alex Macleod, Chief Executive of the Stornoway Port Authority, said: 

“Today is the result of four years of specialist building work to create a world-leading terminal that will transform the experience of cruise passengers to the islands. It will also allow us to further develop the opportunities we have with the offshore renewables industry.

“It has been exciting to see the collaborative approach between all our local partners, which will be essential to ensure the operational success of the terminal. 

“The support we have had from the community during the build has been incredible, so this is the perfect opportunity to thank them.”

Joanna Peteranna, HIE area manager in the Outer Hebrides, said: “The Deep Water Port is an integral part of the Stornoway Port masterplan. It’s a really exciting project that will have positive impacts well beyond Stornoway, helping to diversify and strengthen the wider economy of the Outer Hebrides.

“The cruise market is one important aspect. However, this investment will also put the port in a strong position to compete for future opportunities in other sectors, including renewable energy fabrication and aquaculture. 

“When all these elements are taken together, we believe this has the potential to be a genuinely transformational project for the islands.”

McLaughlin and Harvey is based in Belfast and has offices in Scotland and throughout the UK.

John Mariner, the company’s Contracts Director (Civil Engineering), said: “McLauglin and Harvey is delighted to have been selected by Stornoway Port Authority to deliver the construction of the new Deep Water Terminal at Stornoway.

“We bring the experience from our ever-expanding expertise in marine works and look forward to commencing works in the near future.”

Initial work to develop the new facility will include piling activity, blasting of 750,000n tonnes of rock and dredging.

Background

Stornoway Port Authority signed the contract for construction of the deep-water terminal in March 2022.  The Scottish Government is providing more than £33 million in funding with an additional £10 million from Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Since 2020, the project’s Advisory Board was chaired by former Deputy First Minister, John Swinney, and more recently by the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance Shona Robison. The Scottish Government has invested in and driven progress into Scotland’s renewables potential, with a pledge of up to £500 million to support the offshore wind industry across Scotland.