Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has approved a £1.8 million investment to kickstart the initial stages of Stornoway Port's Deep Water South project.

This funding is a pivotal step in establishing the Western Isles as a primary strategic base for the floating offshore wind sector.

The investment will facilitate a £2.3 million programme of ground investigations and detailed design works. This development represents the second phase of the port's deep-water expansion, intended to bolster renewable energy infrastructure and ensure Stornoway remains one of Scotland's most vital ports for the transition to green energy.

The project is designed to provide year-round capacity for offshore renewables, as the existing terminal — which opened in 2024 — is occupied by cruise liners during the summer months. The new berth will accommodate heavy-lift ships, anchor handlers, and blade carriers, while providing the necessary space for the assembly of wind turbine components onto floating foundations.

McLaughlin & Harvey has been appointed as the contractor for the investigation works, which are scheduled to begin in January. The project is also expected to benefit the Arnish fabrication yard and create long-term, skilled employment opportunities for the local population.

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Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, Gillian Martin, commented: "Offshore wind represents a huge economic opportunity for the whole of Scotland delivering jobs and attracting major investment across the country. Stornoway's location, skills and existing port infrastructure make it vital to supporting the delivery of some of the enormous economic opportunities presented by our growing offshore wind industry.

"The proposed expansion of the Deep Water Terminal at Stornoway Port is the latest example of the growth within our offshore wind sector – which is reflected in our updated ambition for offshore wind capacity. Increasing our offshore wind capacity ambition to up to 40GW by 2040 reaffirms our commitment to growing the offshore wind sector – giving certainty to investors – and will help to support our national climate ambitions."

Joanna Peteranna, HIE's Director of Operations, highlighted the unique position of the port: "Stornoway is the only port in the north-west to accommodate large vessels, opening opportunities in cruise tourism, offshore renewables and freight. Offshore wind represents a huge opportunity for the Highlands and Islands, and for Scotland, and this proposed new berth will further strengthen infrastructure, unlocking even more opportunities for growth."

Stornoway Port is contributing the remaining £463,917 toward this phase of the project. Alex Macleod, Chief Executive of Stornoway Port, added: "This is a hugely significant step forward for Stornoway and the wider Outer Hebrides. Deep Water South is about unlocking the next phase of opportunity, supporting offshore wind, strengthening renewable energy infrastructure and ensuring Stornoway is ready to play a leading role in Scotland's energy transition.

"The approval of HIE's support will allow us to move towards detailed design and enabling works with real momentum. It reflects strong confidence in the Port's long-term vision and in the role Stornoway can play in Scotland's offshore wind industry. Our investment alongside HIE underlines our commitment to delivering infrastructure that brings lasting economic benefits to the islands."

The scheme aligns with the Scottish Government's wider commitment to invest £500 million over five years into port infrastructure and offshore wind supply chains to maximise the country's renewable potential.