200 jobs expected from Arnish yard renewable energy expansion plans
19 April 2024
Strategic proposals to establish the Arnish yard as a major renewable manufacturing centre have taken a step forward.
The project would result in a minimum of 200 roles including an apprenticeship and graduate programme for around 30 people says the firm.
Site operator, Harland & Wolff, submitted a funding bid in partnership with Stornoway Port Authority to enable the development of a project called the Stornoway Offshore Wind Hub.
A £99 million investment application to the Scottish Government backed Scottish Offshore
Wind Energy Council (SOWEC) - a partnership between the Scottish public sector and
the offshore wind industry - has advanced to a second assessment stage it has been
confirmed.
A successful outcome would have a “profound impact on the island community, creating numerous direct and indirect job opportunities” highlighted the firm.
Harland & Wolff pledged to work closely with local suppliers and educational institutions to ensure that the benefits of any investment are felt locally.
Plans would see a new quay and floating dry dock built at Arnish, increasing the site’s construction capacity to 255MW of installed capacity per installation season.
The upgraded port by Stornoway would boast a laydown area of over 10 hectares, providing ample space for the assembly and storage of renewable energy components.
The aim is to transform Arnish into a state-of-the-art centre for the fabrication
and assembly of turbines and other structures for the renewable industry.
Harland & Wolff also lodged development plans to greatly expand capacity at its site in Fife to build fixed and floating offshore foundations.
At present more than 12 offshore wind developers have been engaged in discussions around the twin projects.
John Wood, chief executive of Harland & Wolff, said: “The seas around Scotland are a rich resource for renewable energy and we feel the proposed investments into our sites would best maximise this opportunity and support growth in this increasingly vital sector.
“The plans we have submitted to SOWEC are indicative of our ambitious plans for Arnish and Methil and our desire to make Harland & Wolff a leading player in the renewables industry.”
He added: “With the investment outlined for Methil, we hope to build upon Energy Park Fife’s reputation as a offshore wind hub, whilst funding for Arnish is focused on providing critical capacity for projects on Scotland’s west coast.
“Our proposals would support the creation of hundreds of jobs and we are committed to nurturing a skilled workforce that will both contribute to local economies and reinforce Scotland’s reputation as a global leader in sustainable infrastructure.”
Humza Yousaf, First Minister of Scotland, who recently visited Harland & Wolff’s Arnish site said: “It was a pleasure to join Alasdair Allan MSP and SNP candidate Susan Thomson at Arnish and meet the brilliant team earlier this month. There is clearly a wealth of important work taking place and it was fantastic to see the opportunities that Arnish is offering to local people – including through its apprenticeship programme.
“Harland & Wolff’s ability to service and maintain the renewable energy sector through both of its Scottish sites was clear to see and I look forward to hearing more about the continued progress in Arnish and Methil throughout the ongoing SOWEC process.”
Arnish employee Amy Burns and First Minister Humza Yousaf discuss the yard’s potential
