Work on ‘game-changing’ £49m deep water terminal begins
A £49 million construction contract has been signed for a new deep water terminal that promises to boost the economy of the Outer Hebrides.
Stornoway Port Authority has awarded the contract for its ‘transformational’ deep water terminal to building and civil engineering firm McLaughlin and Harvey.
Work on the project at the Outer Hebrides’ main port is expected to start in the coming weeks, and be completed before the end of next year.
The deep water terminal will provide modern facilities for a variety of sectors, including the energy and transport industries, and its design will enable it to be adapted for a wide range of future uses.
As well as being able to accommodate on and offshore wind farm vessels and support other energy sector activity, its main berth will be suitable for the largest cruise liners, which will help boost the islands’ important tourism industry.
Development of the terminal will also increase the capabilities and flexibility of the Arnish fabrication yard at Stornoway.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: ‘The development will be a game changer for the local economy and for Scotland’s aspirations to grow our renewables and cruise sectors. The Scottish Government has long been supportive of this project, which will create jobs and multiple economic benefits for the Hebrides. The terminal is a key element of the Islands Growth Deal and will enable cruise traffic and expansion of the offshore renewables supply chain in the wake of the ScotWind offshore wind leasing round, as well as providing infrastructure for a range of other potential activities.’
Stornoway Port Authority chairman, Murdo Murray, said the signing of this contract signalled the imminent start of ‘an historic project which has the potential to truly transform the economy of the Outer Hebrides’.
He added: ‘The deep water terminal will open a new gateway to the islands for a wide range of sectors and become a catalyst for significant further development here. It is already attracting high levels of interest from potential customers.’
Joanna Peteranna, HIE area manager in the Outer Hebrides, said: ‘This investment will also put the port in a strong position to compete for future opportunities in other sectors.’