SSEN Transmission has secured a dedicated vessel to handle construction materials and project freight on its Lewis Hub and Western Isles high voltage direct current (HVDC) link development.
The organisation explained that the move strengthens the project delivery whilst ensuring existing public ferry operations aren’t disrupted, with it safeguarding the Stornoway to Ullapool service.
Further to this, a release mechanism will allow the vessel to be used by others when not required by SSEN Transmission – boosting resilience across the islands’ essential ferry network, including during routine maintenance periods.
SSEN Transmission’s principal contractor, Balfour Beatty, has secured the MV Arrow to support project logistics. The charter follows close collaboration with Stornoway Port, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, and Ullapool Harbour Trust, with additional support from Transport Scotland, CMAL, and CalMac – working together to identify freight solutions that avoid adding pressure to existing services.
Work is also ongoing with Longanair on travel arrangements for non-island based staff, with most set to travel by plane. Existing services will be used where capacity is available without disrupting local use, and charter flights will be considered if necessary to maintain capacity for the local community.
SSEN Transmission explained that protecting essential island services has been central to planning for the Lewis Hub, which includes the construction of an HVDC converter station and AC substation near Stornoway. Regular coordination meetings are taking place to protect services throughout project delivery.
The organisation has also taken steps to avoid pressure on local housing and tourism, supporting new-build affordable housing near Stornoway Airport and the refurbishment of the Caledonian Hotel to host project personnel and leave a positive legacy.
Sandy Mactaggart, director of offshore delivery at SSEN Transmission, said, “Securing the MV Arrow gives us the confidence and operational capacity to deliver the Lewis Hub project without placing additional pressure on the ferry services island communities depend on. It forms a key part of our integrated logistics approach, providing the certainty and flexibility needed to move people and materials efficiently while safeguarding local transport networks.
“Crucially, the MV Arrow will be available to others when not required for our work, helping to protect the resilience of island ferry services. We will also continue to work with other parties to understand their requirements and consider these within our plans.
“Our approach has been shaped through ongoing collaboration with key local organisations, agencies, and stakeholders, and we will continue to work closely with partners and the community to minimise impacts and support long-term benefits for the Western Isles.”
Scottish Government cabinet secretary for transport Fiona Hyslop added, “I am pleased that SSEN Transmission have confirmed the MV Arrow will be available to support lifeline ferry services as part of their logistics plans in delivering the Lewis Hub and Western Isles HVDC link. This approach has been developed in close partnership with local organisations and stakeholders, including CalMac and CMAL, with a focus on minimising impact on the Stornoway to Ullapool route and ensuring that our lifeline ferry services remain resilient for those who rely on them.”
CalMac CEO Duncan Mackison commented, “We’re pleased to be supporting SSEN Transmission on making a success of this massive opportunity for the Western Isles. The charter of MV Arrow protects lifeline ferry services, and we look forward to working with SSEN Transmission for the duration of this project on the vessel’s potential availability to maintain essential freight services when MV Loch Seaforth is in her annual overhaul.”
George Young, director of operations at Balfour Beatty, said, “By working closely with SSEN Transmission and local partners, we’ve taken a coordinated, long-term approach to logistics that protects essential island services while providing the flexibility and certainty needed to deliver this nationally significant project.”
