Port Ellen Terminal Development

A project to improve Port Ellen’s harbour

Port Ellen Terminal Development

A project to improve Port Ellen’s harbour

About this project

This project aims 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.

Contact us

To get in touch with us about this project, please email:

petd@cmassets.co.uk

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Aerial view of crane and works at Kennacraig

Islay vessel enabling works

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Port Ellen Terminal Development

Improving the port for ferries and commercial use

View project ›

Port Ellen Harbour Legislation

Harbour Revision Order to provide consent for works

View project ›

Latest news

Port Ellen Terminal Development Marine License Application—Documents

15 April 2025

To accompany the publication of the Port Ellen Terminal Development Marine License Application public notice, relevant documentation is now available to view online:

Please see the Port Ellen Terminal Development Marine License Application public notice for more information and for instructions on how to make representations regarding the Marine License Application.

For more details on the project, please visit cmassets.co.uk/petd.

Port Ellen Terminal Development Marine License Application—Public Notice

15 April 2025

CALEDONIAN MARITIME ASSETS LTD

MARINE (SCOTLAND) ACT 2010

THE MARINE WORKS (ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT) (SCOTLAND) REGULATIONS 2017

Notice is hereby given that Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd, registered under company registration SC001854 at Municipal Buildings, Fore Street, Port Glasgow PA14 5EQ, has applied to the Scottish Ministers for marine licences under section 20 of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 to construct, alter and improve an existing harbour, capital dredging and sea deposit of dredged material for the Port Ellen Terminal Development at Port Ellen, Isle of Islay, with a total area of approximately 20,100 m² (central latitude and longitude co-ordinate: 55°49.350’N 005°06.300’W (WGS84)). The proposed works are subject to an environmental impact assessment (“EIA”) under the above EIA Regulations.

Copies of the applications including plans detailing the location, together with a copy of the EIA report discussing Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd proposed works in more detail and presenting an analysis of the environmental implications, are available for inspection, free of charge at: The Ferry Terminal, Port Ellen, Isle of Islay, PA42 7DW—opening hours Mon/Wed/Thu/Fri 6am–5pm, Tues 8am–5pm, Sat 6am–12pm, Sun 8am–1pm.

The EIA report can also be viewed online at https://bit.ly/4j10d2j and https://www.cmassets.co.uk/petd. Copies of the EIA report can also be obtained from Caledonian Maritime Asset Ltd (tel: 01475 749 920) at a charge of £350 hard copy and £100 on USB stick (including post and packaging). Copies of a short non-technical summary are available free of charge.

Any representations should be made in writing to the Scottish Ministers by email to: MD.MarineLicensing@gov.scot or by post to Marine Directorate – Licensing Operations Team, Scottish Government, 375 Victoria Road, Aberdeen, AB11 9DB, identifying the proposed works and specifying grounds for the representation, not later than 17 May 2025.The Scottish Ministers may however consider representations received after this date. Representations should be dated and clearly state the name (in block capitals) and the email or postal address of those making the representation.

Subsequent submission by Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd of additional information (as defined in the above EIA Regulations) to the Scottish Ministers will be publicised in a similar manner to the current application including publication on the above websites. Representations relative to additional information should be made on the same basis as detailed above.

Having considered the applications and the above legislation together with any representations received the Scottish Ministers may:—

grant marine licences with or without conditions attached; or
refuse the applications.

Fair Processing Notice

The Scottish Government’s Marine Directorate – Licensing Operations Team (“MD-LOT”) determines applications for marine licences under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010. During the consultation process any person having an interest in the outcome of the application may make a representation to MD-LOT. The representation may contain personal information, for example a name or address. This representation will only be used for the purpose of determining an application and will be stored securely in the Scottish Government’s official corporate record. Representations will be shared with the applicant and/or agent acting on behalf of the applicant, any people or organisations that we consult in relation to the application and, where necessary, be published online, however personal information will be removed before sharing or publishing.

A full privacy notice can be found at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/marine-licensing-and-consenting-privacy-notice/. If you are unable to access this, or you have any queries or concerns about how your personal information will be handled, contact MD-LOT at: MD.MarineLicensing@gov.scot or Marine Directorate – Licensing Operations Team, Scottish Government, 375 Victoria Road, Aberdeen, AB11 9DB.

View the relevant documentation ›

For more details on the project, please visit cmassets.co.uk/petd.

PETD: January 2025 Event—Presentation Materials

27 January 2025

Couldn’t attended the Port Ellen Terminal Development event last week? Don’t worry, the materials we presented are now available to view online:

View PDF in new tab or download ›

In case the event could not take place, we had planned a backup event for this week, which we announced in the local press. However, since the main event was held as scheduled, the backup will no longer be necessary.

Questionnaire

We’re looking for your comments regarding the development and the marine licence applications.

Complete the questionnaire online ›

Request or return a questionnaire via email ›

More information

For more details on the project, please visit cmassets.co.uk/petd, or feel free to contact our project team at petd@cmassets.co.uk.

Don’t forget to check out the other projects we have on Islay at the moment:

PETD: January 2025 Event—Thank You for Attending

23 January 2025

Thank you to everyone who attended the Port Ellen Terminal Development event this week. It was wonderful to see you all.

In case the event could not take place, we had planned a backup event for next week, which we announced in the local press. However, since the main event was held as scheduled, the backup will no longer be necessary.

If you couldn’t make it to the event, don’t worry. We will soon upload the materials we presented to the project page on our website. Stay tuned for updates.

More information

For more details on the project, please visit cmassets.co.uk/petd, or feel free to contact our project team at petd@cmassets.co.uk.

Don’t forget to check out the other projects we have on Islay at the moment:

PETD: January 2025 Community Engagement Sessions

16 December 2024

Transport Scotland approved the Port Ellen Terminal Development (PETD) project at the Outline Business Case stage in the autumn of 2023. The project team has since been progressing with the preferred option detailed design and is now in a position to start the marine construction license consenting process.

As part of this consenting process, we will hold a pre-application consultation (PAC) event to present information on the proposed works’ methodologies and their impacts on the site and the local environment.

We will seek feedback on the proposals from stakeholders, the local community and the general public.

Location	Event Venue	Event Date	Event Time
Port Ellen	Ramsay Hall N Bay Port Ellen Isle of Islay PA42 7BY	Tuesday 21 January 2025	15:30–18:30

More information

For more details on the project, please visit cmassets.co.uk/petd, or feel free to contact our project team at petd@cmassets.co.uk.

Don’t forget to check out the other projects we have on Islay at the moment:

PETD: Presentation Materials from the Port Ellen Community Engagement Sessions

14 June 2024

Following this week’s public engagement events in Port Ellen and on Jura, the materials presented are now available to view online.

Visualisation

Courtesy of MML, this in-progress 3D render showcases the refined layout of the pier, marshalling area and terminal building.

Presentation

Find out more about the background of this project and its business case, and see the results of previously gathered feedback, additional visuals, timelines, and next steps by downloading the presentation materials.

Download the presentation pack ›

Feedback form

We’d like to hear what you think about the developed option, Environmental Impact Assessment and Harbour Revision Order.

Submit your response ›

More information

For more details on the project, please visit cmassets.co.uk/petd, or feel free to contact our project team at petd@cmassets.co.uk.

Don’t forget to check out the other projects we have on Islay at the moment:

PETD: June 2024 Community Engagement Sessions

24 May 2024

Transport Scotland approved the Port Ellen Terminal Development (PETD) project at the Outline Business Case stage in the autumn of 2023. The project team has since been refining the preferred option design to ensure it meets the requirements of the ferry operator and harbour stakeholders.

The project is approaching the start of the detailed design works stage. Public meetings will allow the project team to present the developed design drawings and visualisations of the proposed works to the community for feedback before moving into the detailed design work and to provide consultation to support the required consent application processes.

Location	Event Venue	Event Date	Event Time
Port Ellen	Ramsay Hall N Bay Port Ellen Isle of Islay PA42 7BY	Tuesday 11th June 2024	15:30–18:30
Jura	Craighouse Village Hall Isle of Jura PA60 7XU	Wednesday 12th June 2024	14:00–17:00

For more details on the project, please visit cmassets.co.uk/petd, or feel free to contact our project team at petd@cmassets.co.uk.

Don’t forget to check out the other projects we have on Islay at the moment:

PETD: Ground Investigation works complete

27 November 2023

CMAL is pleased to confirm that the Ground Investigation works for the proposed new ferry terminal at Port Ellen have been completed successfully. Despite challenging weather conditions that had a significant impact on progress, works were completed on schedule.

We would like to thank the local stakeholders and the community for their support and patience during the disruption to the ferry service caused by these works.

The works represent a crucial milestone in the detailed design works for the proposed new ferry terminal.

All plant and equipment have been demobilised from the site, including the work barge, and the ferry service returned to Port Ellen as planned on 18 November 2023.

Find out more about the Port Ellen Terminal Development project at: cmassets.co.uk/petd

PETD: Project moves onto the Final Business Case stage

11 September 2023

Following a review of the Outline Business Case by Transport Scotland in June 2023, the Port Ellen Terminal Development (PETD) Project has been approved to progress to the Final Business Case (FBC) stage, based on the option five design proposal.

This stage will include:

The undertaking of marine ground investigation works to inform the design of works
Detailed design works
Environmental Impact Assessment Works
Consenting works (Harbour Revision Order & Marine License)
Implementation of procurement strategy

A further Transport Scotland review and approval will be required before the Project can move to the Construction stage.

Find out more about the Port Ellen Terminal Development project at: cmassets.co.uk/petd

PETD: Port Ellen Terminal Development Project Progresses To Next Stage

21 July 2023

A programme of ground investigation work is set to begin from 21^st August 2023 at Port Ellen ferry terminal.

Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) is leading the development project to deliver upgraded berth infrastructure and terminal improvements to accommodate the two ferries being built for Islay, which the public has voted to be named MV Isle of Islay and MV Loch Indaal.

The investigation works will determine the ground condition across the site and will be used to inform the final design and details of the port infrastructure upgrades. Most of the work will be undertaken from a “jack-up” barge positioned at various locations in Kilnaughton Bay and Loch Leodamais.

The investigation work will run for approximately twelve weeks; however, this is subject to progress and weather conditions.

Due to the nature of the works, the regular ferry service to Port Ellen will be diverted to Port Askaig between 11^th September and 17^th November, during which time CalMac Ferries will operate all scheduled sailings from Port Askaig’. Departure times will remain the same, with a shorter journey time for sailings re-routed from Port Ellen to Port Askaig. CalMac will confirm any operational or service changes shortly.

Port Ellen Harbour will remain available for all non-ferry vessels throughout the works period, with appropriate safety measures in place.

Robert Morrison, Operations Director at CalMac, said:

“We would like to reassure our passengers and local communities that we will continue to operate our normal Islay services to Port Askaig during the planned closure of Port Ellen. Advance notice will be provided to passengers affected by the Port Ellen closure.”

Kevin Hobbs, Chief Executive of CMAL said:

“The ground investigation works are a crucial step in upgrading Port Ellen in preparation for Islay to accommodate the two new ferries. The significant investment will address long-standing issues such as capacity and resilience that have caused restrictions for many years.

“While we acknowledge that these necessary disruptions to the ferry service are not ideal, we have worked closely with service operators CalMac, our design engineers, and the contractor to carefully programme the works to minimise the inconvenience. We are very grateful to the communities for their patience and understanding during this process.”

The two new 94.8-metre ferries for the Islay routes are the first of four new vessels being built at Cemre Marin Endustri shipyard in Turkey. The ferries will have a clear focus on freight, as well as sufficient passenger accommodation to meet anticipated demand, with capacity for up to 450 passengers and 100 cars, or 14 commercial vehicles each. This will provide a combined 40% increase in vehicle and freight capacity on the Islay routes and will improve the overall resilience of the wider fleet. The first vessel, MV Isle of Islay, is expected to be completed at the yard in October 2024, with the same expected for MV Loch Indaal in February 2025.

Port Ellen Terminal Development and the new Islay ferries form part of a programme of investment by CMAL, funded in part through Scottish Government commitments to capital investment of around £700 million in ferry infrastructure, and related services, over the five years from 2021 to 2026. Wider plans will deliver other port infrastructure upgrades and new small and major vessels for the fleet, with future options being considered through the emerging Islands Connectivity Plan.

PETD: Outline Business Case Update

18 May 2023

Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) are now finalising the Outline Business Case (OBC) for the proposed option to upgrade the ferry terminal at Port Ellen.

This option will provide the required marshalling capacity to accommodate the existing and new Islay vessels. It will significantly improve traffic management and safety, pedestrian access, and enhance active and sustainable travel options for all users. The plans include the creation of a new ferry terminal, an additional commercial berth that will considerably improve the resilience of the ferry service, and a segregated area for commercial activity at Port Ellen.

The Outline Business Case is due to be submitted for review by Transport Scotland in early summer 2023. If approved, the project team will proceed to the detailed design phase, including ground investigation works. In addition, works to complete a Harbour Revision Order and gain a Marine License for the proposed works will start in earnest. The project team are undertaking several environmental surveys to inform the Environmental Impact Assessment works that will feed into the Marine License application.

The video and image are an artist’s impression, as produced by Mott MacDonald. The design is still in development and subject to change.

Find out more about the Port Ellen Terminal Development project at: cmassets.co.uk/petd

PETD: Presentation and feedback survey

30 January 2023

Following the community meeting held on 26 January, the presentation slides and a link to the feedback survey are available below. (Feedback survey now closed).

Presentation slides (PDF)

Both options for Port Ellen can also be viewed in the video below:

If you have any further queries, or would like to pass on any further written feedback, email petd@cmassets.co.uk

Find out more about the Port Ellen Terminal Development project at: cmassets.co.uk/petd

PETD: Community event for Port Ellen Ferry Terminal Development

16 January 2023

Islanders are invited to attend a drop-in session on proposed improvements and upgrades at Port Ellen Ferry Terminal.

Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) is hosting the event on Thursday 26 January at Ramsay Hall in Port Ellen. Those interested are welcome to visit at a convenient time between 3 pm and 6.30 pm. Public engagement regarding the improvements began in July 2022.

Representatives from CMAL and design consultants Mott MacDonald will be joined by representatives from ferry operator CalMac to share updates, answer questions, and seek feedback from the community.

The project team will share information on design options, results from the wave data modelling and the impact of these options on the wave ‘climate’ within Port Ellen’s harbour. The team will explain how these criteria are appraised against two best practice frameworks – Transport Planning Objectives and Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance.

The Port Ellen terminal development project will increase the vehicle marshalling area, increase staff and visitor parking, look to build on opportunities to improve port operations for commercial use and passenger access to vessels, and deliver a new terminal building.

Paul Colenso, Senior Civil Engineer at CMAL, said:

“The investment at Port Ellen is required to strengthen the resilience of the harbour to support ferry services and other port activities, as well as improve the overall passenger experience. Following feedback from previous public engagement and months of planning and additional surveys, we are ready to provide an update to local communities.

“The event is an opportunity for islanders and stakeholders to get involved in the process and find out how ferry infrastructure will be improved. Representatives will be on hand to answer questions as well as seek valuable feedback from local people.”

The plans for Port Ellen form part of a 10-year programme of investment by CMAL, backed by around £700 million from the Scottish Government for five years from 2021 to 2026. Plans will deliver 21 new vessels for the fleet and multi-million-pound upgrade of harbour infrastructure over the next decade. Further multi-million-pound investment will be needed to fund plans from 2026 onwards.

Find out more about the Port Ellen Terminal Development project at: cmassets.co.uk/petd

PETD: Additional wave modelling works required

22 November 2022

Extra wave modelling work is being carried out to gain greater certainty on the wave climate to inform the design proposals for Port Ellen Terminal Development.

Once this work is completed, designs will be updated and shared with the community. Community meetings will be arranged and these are likely to take place in early 2023.

Find out more about the Port Ellen Terminal Development project at: cmassets.co.uk/petd

PETD: Frequently asked questions

7 September 2022

Frequently asked questions on the Port Ellen Terminal Development project have been collated following community engagement events, and are available to view on the link below.

For any further queries, please contact petd@cmassets.co.uk

Find out more about the Port Ellen Terminal Development project at: cmassets.co.uk/petd

PETD: Exhibition and consultation survey

23 June 2022

Following the community meeting held on 22 June, exhibition slides and a link to the consultation survey are below (the survey has now closed).

Exhibition

If you have any further queries, or would like to pass on any further written feedback, email petd@cmassets.co.uk

Find out more about the Port Ellen Terminal Development project at: cmassets.co.uk/petd

PETD: Summer community event

30 May 2022

We are hosting a community engagement event to update islanders on proposed improvements and upgrades at Port Ellen Ferry Terminal.

The event will take place on Wednesday 22 June 2022, 3.00pm-6.30pm at Ramsay Hall in Port Ellen. It will be a drop-in session and those interested are welcome to visit at a convenient time. Civil engineers from CMAL and its partner consultant firm, Mott MacDonald will be joined by CalMac and Transport Scotland representatives to share design options and seek feedback from the community.

Wave survey equipment at Port Ellen

Engineers are exploring project scope and parameters and design options. Topographical, bathymetric and wave monitoring surveys have been conducted on-site to inform potential designs. The preferred option is likely to be approved towards the end of 2022, followed by a two-year programme of design, consents and procurement. Construction will be live between 2024 and 2026.

Find out more about the Port Ellen Terminal Development project at: cmassets.co.uk/petd

PETD: Outline business case for ferry terminal project

28 February 2022

This briefing note, compiled by Mott MacDonald, provides information on the business case process to be followed for the project, an outline programme, and the approach to stakeholder engagement and public consultation.

Find out more about the Port Ellen Terminal Development project at: cmassets.co.uk/petd

PETD: Green light for outline project business case

7 December 2021

We are progressing detailed plans for significant investment and upgrade at Port Ellen Ferry Terminal after Transport Scotland approved the findings of a strategic planning study.

Our study identified space constraints at the terminal, including the vehicle marshalling area and terminal building, as well as opportunities to improve port operations and passenger access to and from vessels. As part of the study, we developed a range of high-level options to address these matters.

Mott MacDonald has been appointed to work with us to develop the outline business case with costs, an assessment of a range of solutions, and a recommend preferred option. Topographical, bathymetric, geophysical and wave monitoring surveys to inform the next-level business case will be conducted from December 2021.

Engagement with the community is scheduled to take place in spring 2022 to support the development of proposals. More information will be published here in due course.

Find out more about the Port Ellen Terminal Development project at: cmassets.co.uk/petd

PETD: First project reference group meeting

7 December 2021

A project reference group has been appointed to represent the views of the community, including ferry users, marina users, the fishing community and commercial users.

The first reference group meeting was held on Wednesday 1 December 2021.

Engagement with the wider community, through virtual or in-person events and meetings (depending on COVID-19 guidance), is scheduled for spring 2022.

Find out more about the Port Ellen Terminal Development project at: cmassets.co.uk/petd

Our full privacy notice is available here.