CMAL’s New Islay Vessel Enabling Works project has won two prestigious honours at the Scottish Civil Engineering Awards 2026.
The project was named Project of the Year and received the Marine Award at the awards ceremony in Edinburgh on Friday 25 September. Delivered by CMAL in partnership with George Leslie and Mott MacDonald, the project was recognised for the collaboration, innovation, and engineering expertise involved in upgrading three operational ferry terminals.
Nasir Uddin, Senior Civil Engineer, and Morven Bridges, Head of Engineering at CMAL
The Scottish Civil Engineering Awards are jointly delivered by CECA Scotland and ICE Scotland. Widely recognised as highlighting engineering excellence in Scotland, the awards showcase innovation and celebrate the contribution civil engineers make to our quality of life.
The New Islay Vessel Enabling Works prepared the harbours at Kennacraig, Port Askaig, and Colonsay for the new Islay-class ferries. The extensive programme included enhanced berthing arrangements, dredging, linkspan refurbishment, strengthening and fendering works, shore power infrastructure, and the provision of a mooring aid at Port Askaig.
Delivering complex construction work across three remote locations, while keeping active ferry terminals operating, required close collaboration between CMAL, principal contractor George Leslie, designer Mott MacDonald, and the wider project partners.
A carefully phased approach helped to minimise disruption and safeguard essential ferry links throughout the works. Innovative techniques, including advanced sediment modelling, also reduced environmental impact, while protecting natural habitats, ensuring safety, and creating lasting social value remained central to the project.
Despite challenging weather and tight logistical constraints, the project was delivered on time. All three ports are now ready to accommodate MV Isle of Islay and MV Loch Indaal.
Morven Bridges, CMAL’s Head of Engineering, said:
“This is a fantastic achievement and a well-deserved recognition of the collaborative effort behind the New Islay Vessel Enabling Works. Delivering major upgrades across three remote and operational ferry terminals presented significant engineering and logistical challenges.
“The success of the project reflects the commitment and expertise of everyone involved. We are very proud that this work has been recognised by CECA Scotland and ICE Scotland with both the Marine Award and Project of the Year.”
The awards celebrate the strong partnership between CMAL, George Leslie, Mott MacDonald, and everyone who contributed to the project’s successful delivery.
Learn more about the Islay Vessel Enabling Works on our project page ›