The Port of Nigg in the Scottish Highlands is set for a significant transformation with a £30 million upgrade, spearheaded by construction firm McLaughlin & Harvey. This development is crucial for enhancing the port's capacity to serve the offshore energy industry, particularly in supporting high voltage cable manufacturing and deployment.
What Happened
McLaughlin & Harvey has been awarded the contract to construct a new heavy-duty quay at the Port of Nigg, covering approximately 16,000 square meters. This quay will bolster the port's roll-on/roll-off capabilities, facilitating the efficient load-out and export of high voltage cables produced at the nearby Sumitomo Electric HVDC cable facility. This project marks a return for McLaughlin & Harvey, who previously upgraded the South Quay between 2014 and 2015, installing a 370-meter combi-pile quay wall and a 130-meter by 40-meter West Finger Quay. Seamus Devlin, Managing Director at McLaughlin & Harvey, expressed satisfaction with the new project, emphasizing the firm's expertise in marine infrastructure.
Why It Matters for the AECM Industry
The upgrade at the Port of Nigg is a strategic investment in infrastructure that aligns with the growing demands of the offshore energy sector. For professionals in architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing, this project highlights key trends such as the integration of manufacturing and logistics facilities. It also underscores the importance of specialized infrastructure in enhancing supply chain efficiency and operational capability. The project is expected to increase deep-water quay availability, providing essential load-in and load-out options that are crucial for accommodating larger energy sector projects. This development could set a precedent for future port infrastructure projects across the UK and Ireland, with potential implications for project timelines, cost management, and resource allocation.
What's Next
As the project progresses, stakeholders in the AECM industry should monitor its impact on the offshore energy supply chain and potential shifts in competitive dynamics. The successful completion of this quay could attract further investment and larger projects to the Port of Nigg, reinforcing its role as a critical hub for the energy sector. Additionally, McLaughlin & Harvey's experience and continued collaboration with local stakeholders like Maraen Port of Nigg may pave the way for future infrastructure endeavors in the region.
Source: https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2026/05/29/mclaughlin-harve
Is your firm ready for what’s next?
VisioneerIT helps AECM and government contractors modernize operations, achieve compliance, and implement AI.
Explore VisioneerIT Solutions →
