Islay Enabling Works
Stakeholder Update
Issue 4—October 2024
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) is leading significant infrastructure upgrades at three key ferry terminals: Kennacraig, Port Askaig, and Colonsay. This initiative aims to enhance the facilities to accommodate the upcoming Islay vessels—MV Isle of Islay and MV Loch Indaal—slated for delivery in 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.
Kennacraig
Works are progressing well on the north berth with no disruptions to the ferry service.
Here is a run-down of what’s been happening:
Ducting
Good progress has been made in the ducting and draw pit works.
Combi-piled wall construction
Drilling and piling works from Gate 1 on the north berth are now complete. Permanent piles have been cast into each of the sockets. The the jack-up barge (JUB) has moved north for the works on Gate 2.
Fender works
All roundhead and middle dolphin fenders are now complete. The fender replacement works are now ongoing on the infill pier and inner dolphin.
Fixed ramp
Concrete was broken out locally as required for drilling works, which are now complete.
Port Askaig
Mooring aid
The foundation has been on hold while awaiting delivery of higher-grade holding-down bolts and earthing requirements. The electrical contractor installed the earthing on 25 September to allow steel fixers to return, complete the reinforcement cage, and pour the concrete. The area has been prepared for mooring aid electrical containment.
Ducting
Good progress has been made in the ducting works.
Colonsay
Diver works
Works are progressing well with the completion of the pile stabilisation works on both the support piles and fender piles. Having two dive squads working in conjunction has helped with production.
Final dredging will now follow in the coming weeks.
Fender works
Fender works have now begun; four existing fenders have been removed, and three replaced. Work is progressing toward installing the first two new fenders on the north side of the roundhead, with one already in place.
Some issues with the existing fender fixings were encountered, but these problems have now been successfully resolved.
When the weather and swell began to impact progress, a mobile crane was deployed which has allowed us to overcome these issues, improve efficiency and ultimately complete the works as planned.
Despite these challenges, we did manage to accommodate the Lord of the Highlands cruise boat while continuing with the works.
Making a difference in the community
CMAL and our principal contractor, George Leslie, are keen that communities benefit directly from the Islay Vessel Enabling Works and that the project has a lasting, positive social impact.
TACL-ing coastal litter
Volunteers from George Leslie spent the weekend with the Tarbert Action on Coastal Litter (TACL) community group to help clean up the local beach between Tarbert and Kennacraig.
A spokesperson from George Leslie said:
“We recognise that civil works can disturb a scenic community which can impact upon the community value and spirit. Hence why during and after our works in any area we try and give back to the community we are in.”
As you can see, a significant amount of litter and plastic pollution was removed, helping restore the area to its natural beauty. Well done to all involved!
In perfect harmony
Now in its seventh year, the three-day ‘Ceòl Cholasa’ festival held on the isle of Colonsay is an intimate event showcasing some of the best talent in the traditional music scene.
This year, George Leslie supported the event by providing travel and accommodation support for all of the participating musicians.
The Colonsay site supervisor shared his enthusiasm for the festival, noting the positive involvement of our team members and the memorable experience of being part of the celebration:
“The festival organisers really involved our site staff—myself included—in the festivities. We all got t-shirts to remember it.”
As members of the local community, you know best, and we’d like to support causes close to your heart. See our website for the kinds of causes we’ve supported in the past, and please get in touch with your ideas and suggestions.
More Islay projects
There’s lots happening on Islay, so here’s a handy run-down of other CMAL projects on the island, where you can learn more, and who to contact:
Project
Port Ellen Terminal Development
Purpose
To increase the vehicle marshalling area, increase staff and visitor parking, improve port operations for commercial use, improve passenger access to vessels, and explore the location and size of an area for a proposed new terminal building.
Project
Port Ellen Harbour Revision Order
Purpose
As the Port Ellen Terminal Development Project progresses, an HRO will be promoted to extend the existing Statutory Harbour Authority Area in line with the final design and gain statutory consent to construct the works.
Project
Harbour Revision (Consolidation) Order
Purpose
To consolidate harbour legislation across our network of ports and harbours. The proposed Harbour Revision (Consolidation) Order will improve safety, and provide a consistent legal framework to operate, improve and maintain CMAL’s harbours and marine infrastructure.
Find out more
Thank you for taking the time to read this update.
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.