Islay Enabling Works
Stakeholder Update
March 2024
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) is leading the upgrade of infrastructure at Kennacraig, Port Askaig and Colonsay ferry terminals to accommodate the new Islay vessels, 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, new quay walls, strengthening works, fendering upgrades, facilities for shore power and, at Port Askaig, provision of a mooring aid.
At a glance
Kennacraig
Works commenced at Kennacraig in November 2023, with works at Port Askaig and Colonsay starting in March 2024.
Kennacraig is planned to remain open for scheduled ferry services throughout the works as one berth will always be available.
Port Askaig
From mid-June until the end of July, CalMac services from Port Askaig will be diverted to Port Ellen.
This is due to the requirement for a berth possession, to undertake fender replacement and upgrade works.
Colonsay
At Colonsay, the port will remain open for scheduled ferry services throughout the works.
MV Isle of Islay
Colonsay, Port Askaig and Kennacraig South Berth works are all scheduled to be completed prior to the arrival of MV Isle of Islay.
CMAL will continue to provide information and updates on the works at each site as the project progresses.
Kennacraig preparatory work
At Kennacraig, preparatory works—including modification of the North Berth fixed ramp structure—were initially completed prior to all services being transferred to this berth.
This modification has improved the operational availability of the North Berth, permitting full-time use whilst works are being completed on the South Berth.
With the modified fixed ramp completed, our contractor, George Leslie Ltd, was able to start work on the South Berth in January 2024.
This saw the arrival of the LARA1 crane barge which was used to lift out and transport the existing linkspan deck up the Clyde where it is undergoing upgrade works.
Works currently progressing at Kennacraig include the construction of a new quay wall structure, construction of temporary pier for use in offloading dredge material and the installation of shore power ducting routes.
It is planned that works will swap from the South Berth to the North Berth in August, thus making the linkspan berth available in advance of MV Isle of Islay entering service.
All works at Kennacraig are planned to complete in March of next year.
Otterly amazing
As part of the conditions attached to the consents to undertake the works, we are monitoring and catering for local wildlife around Kennacraig.
On-site ecologists regularly survey the area to ensure protected species are not being negatively impacted by the ongoing works.
Temporary otter shelters have been installed away from the works area with otters witnessed visiting them on numerous occasions.
Public engagement
We hosted a series of public events to update stakeholders at Tarbert, Islay, Jura and Colonsay between October 2023 and February 2024.
Alongside CMAL, the events were attended by representatives from CalMac, Transport Scotland, Argyll and Bute Council, consulting engineers from Mott MacDonald Ltd and the contractor George Leslie Ltd.
Attendees showed great interest in the plans shared during the events and were able to ask questions and provide their feedback on the day. We have now compiled lists of Frequently Asked Questions and their responses, which are available on our project page.
More Islay projects
For more information or to ask a question about our other projects on Islay, please see below:
Port Ellen Terminal Development
Port Ellen Harbour Revision Order
Harbour Revision (Consolidation) Order
Find out more
More information on the Islay Vessel Enabling Works is available at: cmassets.co.uk/nivew
Get in touch: islayvessel@cmassets.co.uk
Our full privacy notice is available here.