Ground investigation and preliminary works totalling £7 million have commenced at the site of Orkney Islands Council’s proposed Scapa Deep Water Quay, even as the project itself awaits final approval from councillors.
The activity marks the start of a Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA), awarded to Spanish infrastructure firm ACCIONA in joint venture with UK-based Jones Bros Civil Engineering. The works include detailed design, ground and marine investigations, and site surveys at Deepdale in Holm, with marine-based site investigations scheduled for June.
Orkney Islands Council has stressed that the initiation of these works does not equate to the project being given the green light. Instead, the findings from these investigations will inform the Council’s final decision on whether to proceed with the estimated £275 million port development.
“Awarding the PCSA does not mean that a project has been given final approval by Elected Members – rather that the findings of the work carried out through the PCSA will feed into the final decision-making process of the Council in due course,” a spokesperson for Orkney Islands Council said.
The project aims to position Orkney as a renewables hub, supporting offshore wind and tidal energy sectors. The strategic significance of the quay has been highlighted by both local and national officials.
Oliver Reid, Chief Executive of Orkney Islands Council, commented:
“The Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) is a critical component of the procurement process for a major construction project. The key outputs of this piece of work will be detailed planning, cost control, and risk management. It means that we can ensure that any project put forward for the consideration of Elected Members is both viable and cost-effective.”
The PCSA phase is being funded in part by a £5 million grant from the Scottish Government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, announced earlier this year by First Minister John Swinney. The remaining funding is being sourced from the council and other partners.
Council Leader Heather Woodbridge commented on the potential impact:
“Development of facilities in Scapa Flow could deliver considerable economic benefits to the area – especially as we look to counterbalance any potential downturn in the oil industry. Enhancing our marine capabilities and strengthening our capacity to support future industrial and commercial activities is key to this.”
The proposed quay would be located on agricultural land approximately 4km south of the existing Scapa Pier and 1.1km west of the A961, and is intended to support the expansion of offshore wind farms off the coast of Scotland and mainland Europe.
Despite the significant investment in preliminary works, the future of the Scapa Deep Water Quay remains undecided, with councillors awaiting the results of the current investigations before making a final determination.
