PETD: Dredging Works Underway at Port Ellen
Dredging works are now underway as part of the Port Ellen Terminal Development Project. This is an important early step in preparing the harbour for the new ferry terminal and supporting safer, more resilient ferry infrastructure for Islay.
The works have been carefully planned and are being carried out under approved licence conditions, with environmental controls and monitoring in place throughout. Detailed assessments have confirmed that the dredging and associated marine works will not result in any meaningful change to local wave conditions, tidal levels or flood risk around Port Ellen Bay.
Local residents may notice increased marine activity in the area while the works are taking place. CMAL and the project team will continue to manage the works carefully, with a clear focus on safety, environmental protection and minimising disruption wherever possible.
Benefits to the community
- Improved long-term ferry resilience by delivering the new Port Ellen ferry terminal facility.
- Reduced time dredging, creating the right conditions for future marine works to proceed.
- Reduced vessel movements and fuel use by using the licensed disposal site.
- Clear assurance on local concerns, with modelling confirming no meaningful change to wave conditions, tidal levels or flood risk around the bay.
- Strong environmental controls through licensed activity, monitoring, and protection measures for marine habitats and wildlife.
The works are subject to ongoing monitoring and verification. Disposal activities are recorded and tracked throughout the programme, with post-completion surveys to confirm that dredging and disposal have been carried out in accordance with the approved licences and environmental requirements.
The licensed Port Ellen disposal site being used for the current dredging works is the same site that was used during the pier reconstruction works in 2011/2012. While an alternative disposal site was referenced during initial stakeholder engagement, the current works are using the licensed Port Ellen disposal site in line with the approved dredging licence conditions.
Did you know?
The licensing process considered not only sediment movement but also the potential effects on nearby marine habitats and wildlife, including maerl beds, seals, and basking sharks. Maerl beds are sometimes referred to as the “rainforests of the seabed”, providing valuable habitat and nursery grounds for a wide range of marine species, and Scotland’s west coast supports internationally important populations of seals and seasonally attracts basking sharks, the second-largest fish in the world.
The commencement of dredging marks another important milestone in the Port Ellen Terminal Development Project. These works will help create the foundations for a modern, resilient ferry facility that will improve connectivity for residents, businesses and visitors, while supporting Islay’s communities and economy for decades to come.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch via petd@cmassets.co.uk, or visit our Port Ellen Terminal Development project page.
Categories: Port Ellen Terminal Development, Projects
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