Later this summer, local and visiting leisure craft to Stornoway Harbour in The Hebrides will be enjoying 75 new marina berths in its Newton Basin – increasing capacity for leisure craft to 155. The new facilities, designed and built by County Offaly's Inland and Coastal Marina Systems (ICMS), will be protected by a state-of-the-art breakwater and complement the existing 80 berth marina that was expanded previously in 2014.
With demand again currently exceeding supply for berthing in Stornoway, ICMS is installing its leisure marina walkway and finger pontoons as part of Stornoway Port Authority’s 2017 Masterplan. The GRP mini-mesh decked pontoons will provide the much-needed additional marina berths, all with excellent anti-slip properties.
The Outer Hebrides is a key sailing destination for visitors, and Stornoway is an important link in the chain of safe havens stretching from the Butt of Lewis to the Isle of Barra. The marina’s situation on the Isle of Lewis makes access to the mainland and construction plant challenging.
The Stornoway Harbour Marina pontoon in the Hebrides
“Being in the Hebrides has its logistical issues when it comes to installation, but we always find a solution,” explains Brian Curley, Inland and Coastal Senior Project Manager. “Assembling the pontoons offsite really helps timewise and reduces the amount of specialist machinery needed in-situ.
“This exciting project will also incorporate a new slipway and boat hoist, enabling the marina to offer boatyard services to visitors and port users,” continues Brian. “We are delighted to be involved in such a prominent project in Scotland, which will be enjoyed by locals, sailors from aboard and the wider community long into the future.”
