CALEDONIAN Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) has announced the appointment of McLaughlin & Harvey to lead construction work on the £107 million upgrade of Port Ellen Ferry Terminal and marshalling area.
The redevelopment project aims to deliver a modernised harbour and expanded landside infrastructure to support current and future ferry operations. 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 the new Islay-class 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.
In addition, the harbour will benefit from a new, longer fishing berth and a substantially extended commercial quay with segregated offloading areas to improve operational safety and flexibility. 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 and is expected to complete in 2029.
Scottish Government cabinet secretary for transport Fiona Hyslop said, “I am pleased that CMAL has now awarded the contract for the complete redevelopment of Port Ellen Ferry Terminal. This £107 million project will create new, modern terminal facilities, expand marshalling areas and upgrade public and active travel amenities – improving passenger experience and supporting resilient ferry operations.
“Together 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’s commitment to delivering a reliable and sustainable ferry service for the people and economy of Islay.”
Kevin Hobbs, chief executive of CMAL, added, “The upgrade works to Port Ellen will provide a new, resilient harbour for the residents and businesses of Islay. This project has been in planning stage since 2021, and we welcome the Scottish government’s commitment of funding to allow us to progress. The improved facilities will enhance passenger experience, and is the latest milestone in our in plans to modernise the Scottish ferry fleet and infrastructure.”
Seamus Devlin, civil engineering MD at McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd, added, “Working 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 & Ireland and understand the potential that this project has to unlock long-term economic opportunities for the wider Inner Hebrides.”
