Work is well underway at the Copland’s Dock development in Stromness, according to the Orkney Islands Council .
Temporary works and dredging for the new pier were due to start in January followed by piling in February. The contract is scheduled for completion in February 2014.
The Copland’s Dock development, the third part of the Council’s ‘Three Ports Strategy’, will see the construction of a 100 meter pier and associated access road.
The ‘Three Ports Strategy’ has seen the Council invest in major infrastructure projects at Hatston, Lyness and Stromness to provide the marine renewables industry with upgraded and new-build pier and quayside facilities.
They will support the trialling of technologies at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) and the future development of commercial-scale marine energy arrays in the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters, as well as benefiting the fishing and aquaculture sectors.
The £9.2million project is being funded by Orkney Islands Council, the European Regional Development Fund and the Scottish Government.
Chair of the Council’s Development and Infrastructure Committee, James Stockan , said: “We are glad to see the new economic opportunity of Copland’s Dock is getting underway. The project will secure the viability of the harbour for generations to come.
“With its deep water, easy access for lorries and with vessels and vehicles getting bigger, Copland’s Dock is going to be a long term solution for Stromness.”
Orkney has a number of other piers and harbours throughout the islands which could provide further support for the sector in future, as facilities for the servicing and maintenance of wave and tidal devices.
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Press Release, January 16, 2013