Mallaig Overnight Ferry Berth – Specialist Marine Piling & Access Engineering

Project Background

The Mallaig Overnight Ferry Berth forms a key part of a major Scottish Government investment aimed at strengthening ferry resilience on Scotland’s west coast. A capital funding package of £6.4 million was awarded to Mallaig Harbour Authority to deliver a dedicated overnight berth at Mallaig Harbour. The project will enhance the reliability of lifeline services connecting Mallaig with Loch Boisdale, Armadale and the Small Isles, and is recognised as the first phase in a wider programme of harbour infrastructure improvements. Construction is scheduled to commence in Autumn 2025.

The new berth will reduce the need for vessel repositioning within the harbour, improving operational safety while lowering carbon emissions and simplifying vessel scheduling. These improvements will directly support island communities, tourism activity, and the long‑term resilience of the ferry network.

SPI Piling Ltd – Specialist Works for RJ McLeod

RJ McLeod, the main contractor appointed to deliver the new berth, engaged SPI Piling Ltd to undertake a specialist marine piling package critical to forming the new berthing structure. Working in a tidal, exposed and operational harbour environment required a carefully engineered approach, combining bespoke temporary works and precise marine piling techniques.

Design & Installation of Bespoke Temporary Works Platforms

Access to the pile installation locations required drilling into underlying rockhead before piles could be driven. To safely accommodate the drilling rigs—whose reach and operational footprint extended beyond the existing harbour wall—SPI designed, fabricated and installed bespoke temporary works platforms. These platforms cantilevered over the existing harbour structure, providing a stable working deck for the drilling plant while maintaining safe operational distances from the quay edge.

The platforms were engineered to withstand marine loading, tidal conditions and dynamic plant movements. Their design ensured minimal disruption to ongoing harbour activities and enabled all drilling operations to proceed efficiently and safely.

Drilling Operations to Rockhead (Delivered by Specialist Subcontractors)

The project required pre‑drilling through overburden to expose competent rockhead to achieve the required depth and stability for the permanent piles. These drilling operations were carried out by specialist subcontractors working for RJ McLeod. SPI managed access, working sequences, and safety arrangements to support the drilling teams while maintaining alignment with RJ McLeod’s programme.

Permanent Sheet Pile Installation

Following drilling, SPI installed permanent steel and sheet piles forming the structural footprint of the new overnight berth. These piles provide long‑term lateral support and enable formation of the berthing face and supporting structures.

SPI utilised specialist piling plant to install the piles safely within narrow tidal windows. Tidal planning, marine safety protocols and precise rig control ensured accuracy in piling lines and levels.

Marine-Safe Delivery

All operations took place within a busy harbour environment, requiring continual coordination with RJ McLeod, Mallaig Harbour Authority and harbour users. SPI maintained clear access routes, ensured safe vessel movements, and managed work around tidal cycles.

Key Challenges

• Restricted access along the existing harbour wall required the development of cantilevered temporary works platforms.
• Tidal exposure demanded careful sequencing and rapid deployment of marine plant.
• Drilling to rockhead required the integration of specialist subcontractors within SPI’s managed work zone.
• Maintaining operational continuity at a live harbour while works progressed.

Outcome & Value Delivered

SPI Piling’s contribution provided the critical enabling works required to commence berth construction. The combination of engineered temporary access platforms coordinated drilling operations and accurate sheet pile installation ensured RJ McLeod could progress with the structural phases of the project safely and efficiently.

These works form an essential component of a wider enhancement programme that will strengthen Mallaig’s role as a west‑coast ferry hub and support island communities and local economic activity for decades to come. The new berth will reduce vessel movement, improve safety and increase the reliability of ferry services essential to the region’s connectivity