Investment to support growth at Arnish
Navantia UK welcomes new investment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and the Scottish Government to support further development at the Navantia UK Arnish yard on the Isle of Lewis.
HIE has approved £2.05 million towards Navantia UK’s £5 million programme to upgrade plant and equipment at the yard. These upgrades will increase capacity, improve productivity and reduce energy use, strengthening Arnish’s role in supporting Scotland’s offshore wind sector.
Navantia UK expects the Arnish workforce to grow from around 150 employees, including 30 apprentices, to approximately 250 over the next decade, with more than 75 new roles directly linked to this investment.
This announcement was made alongside Scottish Government funding for the Ardersier Energy Transition Facility, reflecting broader support for the development of Scotland’s offshore wind supply chain.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said:
“The growth of both Ardersier Energy Transition Facility and Navantia’s operations at Arnish will bring meaningful benefits to Lewis and the Highlands.
“Offshore wind is one of the biggest economic opportunities Scotland has ever had. These investments will significantly boost Scotland’s clean energy sector, support new well-paid, skilled jobs in Stornoway and boost economic opportunity at Ardersier.”
Stuart Black, Chief Executive, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said:
“The Arnish yard benefits from unrestricted access to the north Atlantic and west coast. It also has a new deep water port facility on its doorstep. This means it’s ideally placed to enable companies like Navantia to play a crucial part in supporting our growing offshore wind industry and the country’s transition to net zero.
“These investments are a great boost to the yard and to the local economy in Lewis. Navantia’s project will create new well-paid island jobs and provide rewarding career opportunities for young people. Our additional investment in preconstruction design and feasibility work will pave the way for future development that will further strengthen the industry supply chain.”
Donato Martínez, CEO, Navantia UK, said:
“This support will help accelerate our investment programme at Arnish, a facility with a strong track record in complex offshore fabrication and a highly skilled workforce.
“Navantia UK is building on these strengths to ensure Arnish is best placed for future opportunities across the energy market, including offshore wind, creating high quality, long-term jobs for the community.”
Albert Allan, General Manager, Navantia UK Arnish, said:
“HIE’s backing, combined with Navantia UK’s investment in Arnish, means we can deliver the next phase of our investment programme. This will expand our capability and capacity to pursue additional contracts as the offshore wind market grows. That shared belief in what Arnish can deliver matters, and we’ll prove it by growing our team, creating apprenticeships, and building the skilled, long term careers this community deserves.”
Arnish has manufactured components for various energy projects from oil and gas and renewables to nuclear. Navantia, as a whole, has a global track record in energy and is the largest European manufacturer of offshore wind structures.
