Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), the terminal owner, selected the contractor and civil engineer to carry out a range of construction work on the ferry terminal and its marshalling yard. Works include significant land reclamation to create the required marshalling and laydown areas for cars and commercial vehicles, alongside safe and efficient traffic management routes throughout the port.
A new dedicated ferry berth suitable for both new and current vessels will be constructed, incorporating key marine requirements such as fendering, dredging and bollards. The project will also deliver a new linkspan, fixed ramp, shore power charging facilities and a new, larger ferry terminal building to enhance passenger and staff comfort and resilience.
The harbour will also benefit from a new, longer fishing berth and a substantially extended commercial quay, approximately four times longer than the existing structure, with segregated offloading areas to improve operational safety and flexibility.聽
Sustainable transport measures, including car charging bays and bicycle facilities, will also be incorporated, alongside upgraded lighting, CCTV and fencing.
Construction work will begin in June, following the completion of F猫is 脤le, the Islay festival, at the end of May, ensuring minimal disruption during the island鈥檚 important festival period. Work is expected to complete in 2029. The project will support the delivery of two new ferries serving Islay.
Scottish cabinet secretary for transport Fiona Hyslop said, 鈥淚 am pleased that CMAL has now awarded the contract for the complete redevelopment of Port Ellen Ferry Terminal. This 拢107 million project will create new, modern terminal facilities, expand marshalling areas and upgrade public and active travel amenities 鈥� improving passenger experience and supporting resilient ferry operations.
聽鈥淭ogether with the delivery of two new major vessels this year and completed investments in harbour upgrades at Port Askaig, Kennacraig and Colonsay, this programme of improvements underlines the Scottish Government鈥檚 commitment to delivering a reliable and sustainable ferry service for the people and economy of Islay.鈥�
Seamus Devlin, civil engineering managing director, McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd, said: 鈥淲orking in collaboration with CMAL, we will deliver modern, resilient infrastructure at Port Ellen that allows for enhanced capacity, improved passenger experience and the introduction of the new Islay-class vessels. As a main civil engineering contractor, we have delivered port infrastructure projects across the UK and Ireland and understand the potential that this project has to unlock long-term economic opportunities for the wider Inner Hebrides.鈥�
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