Islay Enabling Works
Stakeholder Update
Issue 6—September 2025
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) has led the infrastructure upgrade works at Kennacraig, Port Askaig and Colonsay ferry terminals to accommodate the new Islay vessels. As we prepare for the delivery of the first vessel, MV Isle of Islay, we are very pleased to confirm that our enabling works are now complete and all three ports are ready for the arrival of both the MV Isle of Islay and MV Loch Indaal.
The upgrades at Kennacraig, Port Askaig and Colonsay included dredging, new quay walls, strengthening works, fendering upgrades, facilities for shore power and, at Port Askaig, provision of a mooring aid.
Kennacraig
Work began at Kennacraig in November 2023, which remained open for scheduled ferry services throughout the works as one berth was always kept operational.
Pipe bridge for shorepower cables being lifted into place
Kennacraig’s new fenders
Kennacraig’s new fenders
Newly installed cable tray
South berth scour protection works underway
Construction in progress on Kennacraig’s north berth
Port Askaig
Work started at Port Askaig in March 2024. From mid-June until the end of July 2024, CalMac services from Port Askaig were diverted to Port Ellen to undertake fender replacement and upgrade works. The berth was reopened for scheduled ferry services after the 6-week period of closure.
Port Askaig’s new fenders and mooring aid structure
New fenders and mooring aid at Port Askaig
During the construction of the mooring aid structure
Colonsay
At Colonsay, where work also started in March 2024, the port remained open for scheduled ferry services throughout the works while we carried out fender replacements, dredging and underwater structural strengthening works.
Colonsay’s fendering works underway
Project recap
Throughout the works, CMAL has taken all necessary environmental precautions, and all works adhered to the license conditions.
Our project team worked in close collaboration with CalMac, particularly in planning, and as a result, disruptions to services were kept to a minimum.
Port Askaig before work began
Port Askaig’s mooring aid system is expected to enhance resilience by reinforcing the vessel’s mooring for the unique sea state and weather conditions around Port Askaig. CMAL worked closely with Argyll & Bute Council to develop the design and plan the construction work.
CMAL is grateful to all our stakeholders and the local community for their patience and support throughout the works.
More Islay projects
There’s lots happening on Islay, so here’s a handy run-down of other CMAL projects on the island, where you can learn more, and who to contact:
Project
Port Ellen Terminal Development
Purpose
To increase the vehicle marshalling area, increase staff and visitor parking, improve port operations for commercial use, improve passenger access to vessels, and explore the location and size of an area for a proposed new terminal building.
Project
Port Ellen Harbour Revision Order
Purpose
As the Port Ellen Terminal Development Project progresses, an HRO will be promoted to extend the existing Statutory Harbour Authority Area in line with the final design and gain statutory consent to construct the works.
Project
Harbour Revision (Consolidation) Order
Purpose
To consolidate harbour legislation across our network of ports and harbours. The proposed Harbour Revision (Consolidation) Order will improve safety, and provide a consistent legal framework to operate, improve and maintain CMAL’s harbours and marine infrastructure.
Find out more
Thank you for taking the time to read this final update.
More information on the Islay Vessel Enabling Works is available at: cmassets.co.uk/nivew
Get in touch: islayvessel@cmassets.co.uk
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