A dedicated freight vessel has been secured to support construction of the Lewis Hub and Western Isles High Voltage Direct Current Link, with assurances that existing ferry services will be protected.
SSEN Transmission has confirmed that the MV Arrow will provide logistics support for the major infrastructure project, allowing construction materials and project freight to be transported without adding pressure to the Stornoway to Ullapool ferry route.
The charter arrangement includes a release mechanism meaning the vessel can be made available to support wider ferry resilience when not required for project work.
SSEN Transmission’s principal contractor, Balfour Beatty, secured the vessel following discussions with Stornoway Port, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Ullapool Harbour Trust, alongside Transport Scotland, CMAL and CalMac.
The aim, according to project partners, is to ensure the delivery of the Lewis Hub does not disrupt lifeline services relied upon by island communities.
The Lewis Hub project includes the construction of an HVDC converter station and AC substation near Stornoway and forms part of a wider plan to strengthen electricity transmission between the Western Isles and the mainland.
Sandy Mactaggart, Director of Offshore Delivery at SSEN Transmission, said:
“Securing the MV Arrow gives us the confidence and operational capacity to deliver the Lewis Hub project without placing additional pressure on the ferry services island communities depend on.
“It forms a key part of our integrated logistics approach, providing the certainty and flexibility needed to move people and materials efficiently while safeguarding local transport networks.
“Crucially, the MV Arrow will be available to others when not required for our work, helping to protect the resilience of island ferry services.
“We will also continue to work with other parties to understand their requirements and consider these within our plans.
“Our approach has been shaped through ongoing collaboration with key local organisations, agencies, and stakeholders, and we will continue to work closely with partners and the community to minimise impacts and support long-term benefits for the Western Isles.”
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said:
“I am pleased that SSEN Transmission have confirmed the MV Arrow will be available to support lifeline ferry services as part of their logistics plans in delivering the Lewis Hub and Western Isles HVDC link.
“This approach has been developed in close partnership with local organisations and stakeholders, including CalMac and CMAL, with a focus on minimising impact on the Stornoway to Ullapool route and ensuring that our lifeline ferry services remain resilient for those who rely on them.”
CalMac Chief Executive Duncan Mackison said:
“We’re pleased to be supporting SSEN Transmission on making a success of this massive opportunity for the Western Isles.
“The charter of MV Arrow protects lifeline ferry services, and we look forward to working with SSEN Transmission for the duration of this project on the vessel’s potential availability to maintain essential freight services when MV Loch Seaforth is in her annual overhaul.”
George Young, Director of Operations at Balfour Beatty, said:
“By working closely with SSEN Transmission and local partners, we’ve taken a coordinated, long-term approach to logistics that protects essential island services while providing the flexibility and certainty needed to deliver this nationally significant project.”
Kevin Hobbs, chief executive officer at CMAL, said:
“We are pleased that the MV Arrow has been secured and will continue to work closely with SSEN Transmission regarding the Western Isles HVDC project.”
Alongside securing the vessel, SSEN Transmission says it is coordinating with Loganair for staff travel and supporting new affordable housing near Stornoway Airport, as well as refurbishment of the Caledonian Hotel to accommodate project personnel.
