Contract Signed for Port Ellen Ferry Terminal Redevelopment.
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited has appointed McLaughlin & Harvey to carry out construction work as part of the upgrade to Port Ellen Ferry Terminal and marshalling area.
The redevelopment project will deliver a modernised harbour and expanded landside infrastructure to support current and future ferry operations. Works include significant land reclamation to create the required marshalling and laydown areas for cars and commercial vehicles, alongside safe and efficient traffic management routes throughout the port.
A new dedicated ferry berth suitable for both the new Islay-class and current vessels will be constructed, incorporating key marine requirements such as fendering, dredging and bollards. The project will also deliver a new linkspan, fixed ramp, shore power charging facilities and a new, larger ferry terminal building to enhance passenger and staff comfort and resilience.
In addition, the harbour will benefit from a new, longer fishing berth and a substantially extended commercial quay (approximately four times longer than the existing structure) with segregated offloading areas to improve operational safety and flexibility.
Sustainable transport measures, including car charging bays and bicycle facilities, will also be incorporated, alongside upgraded lighting, CCTV and fencing.
Construction work will begin in June, following the completion of Fèis Ìle, the Islay festival, at the end of May, ensuring minimal disruption during the island’s important festival period. Work is expected to complete in 2029.
CMAL has been in consultation with Islay’s residents and businesses since 2022 to ensure the new facilities reflect the needs of the communities. The two new vessels to serve Islay bring additional capacity, and the redevelopment of the harbour will ensure Port Ellen is equipped to handle an increase in passengers, cars and commercial traffic.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “I am pleased that CMAL has now awarded the contract for the complete redevelopment of Port Ellen Ferry Terminal. This £107 million project will create new, modern terminal facilities, expand marshalling areas and upgrade public and active travel amenities – improving passenger experience and supporting resilient ferry operations.
“Together with the delivery of two new major vessels this year and completed investments in harbour upgrades at Port Askaig, Kennacraig and Colonsay, this programme of improvements underlines the Scottish Government’s commitment to delivering a reliable and sustainable ferry service for the people and economy of Islay.”
Kevin Hobbs, Chief Executive of CMAL said: “The upgrade works to Port Ellen will provide a new, resilient harbour for the residents and businesses of Islay. This project has been in planning stage since 2021, and we welcome the Scottish government’s commitment of funding to allow us to progress. The improved facilities will enhance passenger experience, and is the latest milestone in our in plans to modernise the Scottish ferry fleet and infrastructure.”
Seamus Devlin, Civil Engineering Managing Director, McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd, said: “Working in collaboration with CMAL, we will deliver modern, resilient infrastructure at Port Ellen that allows for enhanced capacity, improved passenger experience and the introduction of the new Islay-class vessels. As a main civil engineering contractor, we have delivered Port infrastructure projects across the UK & Ireland and understand the potential that this project has to unlock long-term economic opportunities for the wider Inner Hebrides.”
For more details on the project, please visit cmassets.co.uk/petd.
Categories: Consultations, News, Piers and Harbours, Port Ellen Terminal Development, Projects
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