Islay vessel enabling works
A project covering pier infrastructure upgrade works at Kennacraig, Port Askaig, and Colonsay to accommodate new vessels
About this project
We are leading significant infrastructure upgrades at three key ferry terminals: Kennacraig, Port Askaig, and Colonsay. This initiative aims to enhance the facilities to accommodate the upcoming Islay vessels—MV Isle of Islay and MV Loch Indaal—slated for delivery in late 2024 and early 2025.
The upgrades at Kennacraig, Port Askaig and Colonsay include dredging, new quay walls, strengthening works, fendering upgrades, facilities for shore power and, at Port Askaig, provision of a mooring aid.
Related projects
New vessels for Islay
Two sister ships destined for Islay routes
Islay vessel enabling works
Upgrades at Port Askaig, Colonsay and Kennacraig
Port Ellen Terminal Development
Improving the port for ferries and commercial use
Port Ellen Harbour Legislation
Harbour Revision Order to provide consent for works
Latest news
Islay Vessel Enabling Works: Stakeholder Update #5
Islay Vessel Enabling Works: Stakeholder Update #4
Islay Vessel Enabling Works: Stakeholder Update #3
Kennacraig and Port Askaig reach significant milestones in preparation for new Islay vessels
A programme of CMAL-led preparatory work to upgrade two ferry terminals on the Islay route has reached key milestones, paving the way for delivery of new vessels by the end of the year.
Upgrades to the south berth of Kennacraig ferry terminal are now complete, while Port Askaig ferry terminal fendering work has also finished, following a six-week closure, allowing ferry services to resume.
The CMAL-led project team of contractors George Leslie Ltd, Napier Bros Engineers and Malin Group, and engineering consultants, Mott MacDonald, have installed vital infrastructure upgrades at both Kennacraig and Port Askaig to accommodate the new Islay vessels – MV Isle of Islay and MV Loch Indaal.
Left to right: Andrew Laverty, Site Manager from George Leslie Ltd; Tony Fry, Construction Manager from George Leslie Ltd; Jim Fairlie, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity; Nasir Uddin, Project Manager from CMAL
Throughout the closure, CalMac operated amended timetables for the Kennacraig – Port Ellen – Port Askaig and Oban – Colonsay – Port Askaig services to support travellers and communities on Islay, Jura and Colonsay.
Kennacraig
Preparatory work began in November 2023 at Kennacraig, which included modification of the fixed ramp on the north berth. In January 2024, the south berth was closed to replace existing fenders, build of new piled walls, undertake dredging and remove and refurbish the linkspan. During this time, all ferry services were operating from the north berth.
After being removed for refurbishment, the linkspan has now been reinstated and is ready for ferry services to resume, with the project completed two weeks ahead of schedule. Services will now operate on the south berth, while works on the north berth, including wall construction, fender replacement, re-profiling of the fixed ramp and dredging works commence.
Port Askaig
At Port Askaig, work began in March this year with the replacement of the existing fenders, installation of piles and concrete foundations for a mooring aid, and additional electrical upgrades. The fendering work was carried out between ferry arrivals and departures causing no disruptions to services.
In June, a six-week full port closure was implemented to replace the fenders on the roundhead structure and after successful installation of these fenders, Port Askaig was reopened on 31 July as scheduled. The ongoing mooring aid foundation and electrical works will continue without any disruption to services.
Meticulous planning ensured the safe lifting and transportation of the linkspan from Kennacraig. Given the challenges involved, this is a significant milestone for the project, completed ahead of schedule.
With work continuing on the north berth at Kennacraig and on schedule for completion at Port Askaig and Colonsay this autumn, we’d like to thank everyone involved in the delivery of this project, especially the local communities for their patience and cooperation as we strive to enhance port infrastructure ahead of the arrival of the two new Islay vessels.
—Ramsay Muirhead
Director of Port Infrastructure and Planning at CMAL
I’m very pleased to see this important work completed and both harbours ready for the arrival of the MV Islay of Islay and MV Loch Indaal.
I used the ferry service on my way to the Islay show and to meet with local businesses on the island, and it was great to see the finished works at the south port at Kennacraig and meet the hard-working harbour staff in person.
The completion of these port upgrades marks another important milestone in the Scottish Government’s commitment to delivering six new major vessels into service by 2026.
Communities and businesses on Islay and Jura will be looking forward to a more resilient and modern ferry service, as well as upgraded harbour facilities, with further vessels set to bring similar improvements to other parts of the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services network in the future.
—Jim Fairlie
Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity
(Following his visit to Kennacraig ferry terminal to see the reopening of the south berth)
We were delighted to welcome Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, Jim Fairlie MSP, to Kennacraig for a site visit. Despite the rain, the Minister and Transport Scotland gained valuable insights into the scale of the project and the dedication of our team. Their visit was a welcome opportunity to showcase our progress and highlight the engineering challenges we are overcoming to deliver.
Port Askaig is making excellent headway, with the team successfully balancing engineering demands with the critical need for a ferry service. Although closing the harbour for a short window was necessary to conduct the works, we are grateful for the patience of the local community.
—Tony Fry
Construction Director at George Leslie
The first vessel for Islay and Jura, MV Isle of Islay, is due to arrive in Scotland at the end of the year, with MV Loch Indaal scheduled for arrival in February 2025.
Learn more about the new ferries for Islay
In April 2018, Scottish Ministers announced that Islay would be next in line for new vessels to replace the MV Hebridean Isles.
IVEW: Public engagement event—Frequently Asked Questions
Following the public engagement event on Colonsay, the Frequently Asked Questions gathered and their responses are now available to view:
Islay Vessel Enabling Works: Stakeholder Update #2
Islay Vessel Enabling Works: Stakeholder Update #1
IVEW: Public engagement event—Storyboards now available
Following the recent event on Colonsay, the materials presented can now be viewed online.
IVEW: Responses to your questions and feedback
Following the Islay and Jura public consultation events in January 2024, responses to the frequently asked questions and feedback received are now available:
Port Askaig—Argyll & Bute Council Marshalling Area Works—FAQs ›
General—Enabling Works—FAQs ›
Responses have been provided with input from CMAL, Transport Scotland, CalMac and Argyll & Bute Council.
IVEW: Colonsay public engagement event
CMAL is leading plans to upgrade infrastructure at Kennacraig, Port Askaig and Colonsay ferry terminals for the arrival of new ferries, MV Isle of Islay and MV Loch Indaal. CMAL is hosting a series of events to update communities on the progress of these vessels and the planned construction works—the latest of which will be held in the Colonsay Village Hall on Tuesday, 27 February 2024, at 16:00–19:00.
Engineers from CMAL’s project team will be in attendance, alongside representatives from CalMac and Transport Scotland to share details of the proposed construction plans for the ferry terminals. They will also discuss timescales and any potential changes to services.
Everyone with an interest is encouraged to drop-in at a time and location convenient to them.
IVEW: View our updates from recent public engagement events
Following our recent public events in Islay and Jura, you can now view the materials presented during these meetings:
View the exhibition slides now ›
The online survey is now open for responses here, and you can send any other questions or feedback to islayvessel@cmassets.co.uk.
Public events announced—Port enabling works for the new Islay vessels
CMAL is leading plans to upgrade infrastructure at Kennacraig, Port Askaig and Colonsay ferry terminals for the arrival of new ferries, MV Isle of Islay and MV Loch Indaal. CMAL is hosting a series of events to update communities on the progress of these vessels and the planned construction works:
| Date | Event Venue | Event Time | Event Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday 10/01/2024 | Islay Gaelic Centre/Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle | 16:00–19:00 | This event will be an in-person drop-in session |
| Thursday 11/01/2024 | Jura Village Hall | 14:00–17:00 | This event will be an in-person drop-in session |
Engineers from CMAL’s project team will be in attendance, alongside representatives from CalMac, Transport Scotland and Argyll & Bute Council, to share details of the proposed construction plans for the ferry terminals. They will also discuss timescales and any potential changes to services.
Everyone with an interest is encouraged to drop-in at a time and location convenient to them.
For those unable to attend in person, materials presented at the events will subsequently be made available on this webpage.
A further meeting will be held in Colonsay in late February—details to be confirmed in due course.
Preparatory works begin at Kennacraig to enable new Islay vessels
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) is leading plans to upgrade infrastructure at ferry terminals for the arrival of MV Isle of Islay and MV Loch Indaal, which are scheduled for delivery in late 2024 and early 2025. The upgrades at Kennacraig, Port Askaig and Colonsay include dredging, strengthening works, fendering, provision of a mooring aid and shore power facilities.
Works are planned to commence at Kennacraig later this year, with works at Port Askaig and Colonsay starting in Spring 2024. Ahead of the main works starting at Kennacraig, contractor George Leslie Ltd will establish a site compound and carry out some minor preparatory works starting on-site from Monday 13 November 2023.
The preparatory works will have minimal impact on the ferry terminal and scheduled ferry services will continue to operate. The main works have been planned in phases to allow ferry services to continue to operate. Initially, the south (linkspan) berth will be closed and the linkspan removed for the works to progress; the north (fixed ramp) berth will be improved ahead of this and will be available for the ferry service during this phase. During the second phase, works will swap to the north berth and the ferry service will operate solely from the south berth during this period until works are completed.
Throughout the works it is intended that Kennacraig shall remain open for scheduled ferry services, as one berth will always be available.
We aim to keep the public up-to-date and will publish further updates as work progresses.
Community invited to find out about proposals for ferry terminal improvements
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) is hosting a series of events to update communities on the planned construction work at Colonsay, Kennacraig and Port Askaig ferry terminals.
In preparation for the arrival of MV Isle of Islay and MV Loch Indaal, work to upgrade the ferry terminals will include dredging, fendering, provision for mooring aids and shore power facilities.
At the events, CMAL engineers and representatives from CalMac and Transport Scotland will share details of the proposed construction plans for each ferry terminal. They will also discuss high-level timescales and potential changes to services.
The events will take place at:
- Tarbert Village Hall
Tuesday 24 October 2023, 4:00–7:00pm - Islay Gaelic Centre/Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle
Wednesday 10 January 2024, 4:00–7:00pm - Jura Village Hall
Thursday 11 January 2024, 2:00–5:00pm - Colonsay Village Hall
Tuesday 27 February 2024, 4:00–7:00pm
Nasir Uddin, senior civil engineer at CMAL said:
“These events allow us to keep island communities and ferry users up-to-date with construction plans.
“This essential upgrade work at each harbour will help us to accommodate the new Islay ferries, each due for delivery at the end of 2024 and early 2025, respectively. We encourage everyone with an interest to drop in at a time and location convenient to them.”
For anyone who is unable to attend, proposals and presentations will be published on CMAL’s website following the events. Please visit our project page.
A major terminal upgrade project is also underway at Port Ellen Ferry Terminal. Its terminal development project will increase the vehicle marshalling area, increase staff and visitor parking, improve port operations for commercial use, improve passenger access to vessels, and deliver a new terminal building.
IVEW: New Islay Vessel Enabling Works project update
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) is leading plans to upgrade infrastructure at ferry terminals before the delivery of two new Islay ferries. The upgrades include dredging, strengthening works, fendering, provision of mooring aids and shore power facilities.
The detailed design phase for the enabling works is now complete, and the procurement process for the construction works is underway, with a contract notice now live on the Public Contract Scotland (PCS) website.
Tenders will be received for the works at Kennacraig, Port Askaig and Colonsay, which are due to be submitted by the end of July. A contract award is expected by the end of August after CMAL evaluates the tenders and the necessary stand-still period is observed. CMAL will share more detailed plans for the works before they commence.
A major redevelopment project for the Port Ellen ferry terminal is already underway, which aims to provide the required marshalling capacity to accommodate the existing and new Islay vessels. It will significantly improve traffic management and safety, pedestrian access, and enhance active and sustainable travel options for all users. The plans include the creation of a new ferry terminal, an additional commercial berth that will considerably improve the resilience of the ferry service, and a segregated area for commercial activity at Port Ellen. Therefore, further enabling works are not currently required to be investigated under this New Islay Vessel Enabling Works project.
A business case for the Port Ellen terminal development project is being finalised, and CMAL will continue to monitor the need for enabling works at Port Ellen, depending on the outcome of the business case process.
LOCAL COMMUNITY ENCOURAGED TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON ISLAY VESSEL PORT ENABLING WORKS
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) is encouraging the local community to share their views on proposals for upgrading berth infrastructure as part of the preparations for the new Islay vessels.
Proposals for upgrades at Port Ellen, Port Askaig, Kennacraig and Colonsay have been shared following a series of community engagement meetings held in August on Jura, Islay, Tarbert and Colonsay.
CMAL owns the ferries which operate the Kennacraig – Islay and Colonsay routes, and have ordered two new vessels which will be brought into service from late 2024. These vessels will bring an increase in vehicle and freight capacity to the Islay routes, a reduction in emissions and will improve the resilience of the wider fleet.
The new vessels will be longer with deeper draught and higher displacement than the current vessels in the route, and so enabling works are required to prepare for the arrival of the vessels.
CMAL is seeking community feedback through a survey, which can be found along with the proposals and further information on the port enabling works on CMALs website: https://www.cmassets.co.uk/project/islay/
The survey will be open until 5pm, Friday 30th September.
IVEW: Exhibition slides and feedback survey
Following a series of community events to discuss the port enabling works at Colonsay, Kennacraig, Port Askaig and Port Ellen ferry terminals, a digital version of the slides are available to view:
We welcome all comments and feedback, which you can submit by emailing islayvessel@cmassets.co.uk.
IVEW: Community events to share upgrade proposals
We are hosting a series of community events to share proposals for port enabling works at Colonsay, Kennacraig, Port Askaig and Port Ellen ferry terminals.
At the events, our engineers will be joined by representatives from Mott MacDonald, CalMac and Transport Scotland, and we will share details of the proposed plans for each ferry terminal, along with high-level timescales, potential disruption caused by the works, and high-level plans for continuing ferry services during construction.
The events will take place:
- Jura Village Hall
Wednesday 10 August, 12.00–3.45pm - Islay Gaelic Centre / Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle
Monday 15 August, 4.00–7.00pm - Tarbert Village Hall
Tuesday 16 August, 4.00–7.00pm - Colonsay Village Hall
Wednesday 17 August, 4.00–7.00pm
For anyone who is unable to attend, proposals and presentations will be published on this page to coincide with the events.
IVEW: Design contract awarded
We have awarded a contract to engineering firm Mott MacDonald to support the detailed design of pier infrastructure upgrade works.
The £1.5 million contract, which has been awarded following a public sector procurement process, covers design consultancy services for vessel enabling works at Port Ellen and Port Askaig in Islay, as well as Kennacraig and Colonsay.
Working closely with our harbours engineers and project managers, Mott MacDonald will secure and manage the required planning consents and licences, support stakeholder and community engagement, conduct and commission site surveys and investigations, create a detailed design of works required at all four sites, and help prepare tender documents to appoint construction contractors.
The design and planning stage is expected to last approximately one year, with construction scheduled to begin in 2023.
CONTRACT AWARDED FOR PIERS UPGRADE FOR NEW ISLAY VESSELS
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) has awarded a contract to engineering firm Mott MacDonald to support the detailed design of pier infrastructure upgrade works.
The £1.5 million contract, which has been awarded following a public sector procurement process, covers design consultancy services for vessel enabling works at Port Ellen and Port Askaig in Islay, Kennacraig and Colonsay.
Mott MacDonald, working closely with CMAL’s in-house harbours engineers and project managers, will secure and manage the required planning consents and licences, support stakeholder and community engagement, conduct and commission site surveys and investigations, create detailed design of works required at all four sites, and help prepare tender documents to appoint construction contractors.
The design and planning stage is expected to last around a year, with construction estimated to begin in 2023.
Nasir Uddin, senior civil engineer at CMAL, said:
“A shipyard will be appointed next year to build the two new vessels for Islay and Jura and, in preparation for their arrival, we have identified that the ports where they will operate will benefit from investment to upgrade infrastructure and facilities. The exact details of what’s required at each port will be clear once we have conducted various surveys, working with the team at Mott MacDonald.
“Our work will include comprehensive stakeholder and community engagement to ensure ferry passenger and other harbour users’ needs are reflected in our proposals.”
The vessel enabling works project is one of three CMAL projects planned for Port Ellen. The other two projects will deliver improvements to traffic management arrangements, scheduled to get underway in 2022, and increase space with a bigger vehicle marshalling area, new terminal building and improvements to passenger access to and from vessels. All three projects are the result of significant planning and feasibility studies by CMAL, working in partnership with Transport Scotland and CalMac, as well as local stakeholders.
CMAL has a significant plan of vessel and harbour investment underway, backed by a £580 million commitment from the Scottish Government for an initial five-year period from 2021 to 2026. Plans will deliver 21 new vessels for the fleet and multi-million-pound upgrade of harbour infrastructure over the next 10 years. Further multi-million-pound investment will be needed to fund plans from 2026 onwards.
Our full privacy notice is available here.