The Scottish Government has announced £49m in funding for the development of a new deep water terminal in the Outer Hebrides for berthing and unloading facilities for renewable energy components.
It is expected that more than 200 jobs will be created through the Stornoway Deep Water Terminal.
Scottish Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said the investment from a number of partners was to strengthen transport links and support a range of diverse industries in the Western Isles.
The project will also include a facility for berthing cruise ships up to 360 metres long, a new deep water berth to cater for larger cargo vessels, and a freight ferry berth.
There will also be development land for a range of uses such as industrial processes and decommissioning.
Ewing said: “This transformational project, which will put Stornoway in pole position to take advantage of emerging technologies such as hydrogen, is the culmination of dedicated partnership working between local partners, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and the Scottish Government to create a development of real value to communities.
“This is a great example of the blue economy in action, as it is creating infrastructure in our islands which can benefit a range of marine industries and coastal communities, helping Scotland build back better from the pandemic and make the transition to net zero through the creation of a stronger, more resilient, sustainable economy.”
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar leader councillor Roddie Mackay added: “Our ambition is that the Deep Water Terminal will be a driver and catalyst for a series of new activities such as the creation of a hydrogen-driven energy hub and as a future base for renewable energy deployments west of the Hebrides.
“The Comhairle’s significant investment to Stornoway Port Authority will not only secure the present development project but will also facilitate a route to further value-added development opportunity.”