Port Development

Kishorn Details Its East Quay Piling Method

Published 31 October 2026 Publisher IMWO Region Europe Confidence Confirmed
Kishorn conceptual piled-wall section links aggregate infill, anchor pile and tie rod to the quay wall, with a possible temporary marine piling bund.

IMWO original engineering diagram; source: Kishorn Port / Public Contracts Scotland

Kishorn's consultation materials describe a 150-metre piled quay, a possible temporary piling bund and mooring dolphins. The design introduces a larger vessel envelope while procurement and marine licensing proceed on separate schedules.

A piled wall and dolphins support the larger vessel envelope

Kishorn Port's 27 October consultation describes East Quay as a 150-metre wall with mooring dolphins on either side for vessels up to 300 metres long. The construction storyboard shows steel tubular and sheet piles supported by anchor piles and tie rods, locally sourced aggregate infill and a possible temporary piling bund. The owner expects construction in 2027 for up to 18 months and says the naturally deep location removes the need for dredging in the proposed layout. [2,4] The restricted-procedure notice gives an estimated GBP 30 million ex-VAT value and a 2 November 2026, 12:00 GMT application deadline. Invitations to tender are expected on 2 December. [1]

Existing reclaimed ground and new infill have different jobs

The procurement notice describes 8.5 hectares of existing reclamation formed with rock from enlargement of the drydock. The East Quay FAQ gives 17,000 square metres of proposed reclamation. [1,3] These figures describe different stages of the site. The quay works combine an existing reclaimed worksite, permanent infill behind the piled wall and a possible temporary piling bund. [4] Each needs its own material and access sequence. Existing ground can carry plant and stockpiles where its bearing capacity and layout permit; new infill follows the wall, anchor and tie-rod arrangement. Bund material placed for marine access can require later reshaping or removal. Tender drawings and quantities should identify those operations separately so that rock handling, working-platform preparation and temporary access are priced against the ground actually available.

Evidence conclusion

The berth programme depends on the wider loch operation

The owner's stated reason for East Quay includes releasing the dry-dock gate from berthing use. The berth and dolphins need a workable movement route for vessels and floating structures. That route also serves other loch users. [3] Public consultation comments close on 10 November, and the marine-licence applications will use the consultation and environmental assessment. [2,3] Procurement participation is a separate selection-stage task using the Single Procurement Document. The consultation materials identify piling noise, marine mammals and mooring-area habitats among the assessment topics. [4] The tender drawings and consent application should identify the existing worksite, permanent infill and temporary works. That common geometry gives bidders a basis for pricing the construction sequence.

Outstanding evidence

  • Tender drawings and quantities for existing ground, new infill and temporary bund material
  • Selection-stage notices, clarifications and 2 December invitation plan
  • Marine-licence application, piling controls and mooring arrangements

Related records 1

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