Orkney Harbours Masterplan

Energy into the Future

Kirkewall from the air with snow on the ground Boats docked at Hatston Pier in Orkney Hatston development area

In Orkney, the land and the sea go hand-in-hand with each other. Our islands have seen over 5,000 years of innovation and are a hub for the maritime world. Home to Europe’s largest natural harbour, Orkney is an enviable, strategic location, with our full potential yet to be unlocked.

The Orkney Harbours Masterplan is an ambitious blueprint that provides a framework for the long-term future of our islands. This first phase details our vision for the physical transformation of our harbours across five locations on the mainland. The second phase will then consider the development of smaller harbours and piers across the entire archipelago.

Orkney has a world-renowned reputation for leading innovation in energy and renewables. By improving and expanding our existing harbours and marine assets, we can meet the needs of changing markets and position Orkney as a world leading maritime hub, open to new business and opportunity

During the first phase, the following developments have been proposed:

  • Scapa Deep Water Quay: New multi-user deep water pier and quayside facility with laydown area
  • Hatston Pier: New pier and quayside infrastructure, ship lift, fuel facility and land for harbour operations
  • Kirkwall: New quayside infrastructure, marina expansion and waterfront development area
  • Scapa Pier: Pier extension into deeper water with the addition of shoreside area
  • Stromness: Marina expansion and dedicated cruise tender pontoon


Harbourmaster steering boat into one of Orkney's Harbours

With Orkney community every step of the way

Orkney is no stranger to ambition and innovation. Orcadians are proud of the islands they call home and recognise the importance of stewarding the land and economy for future generations.

The OHA Masterplan has been created with the local community at its heart, outlining a journey towards better opportunities for local people and the economy. We believe that now is the time to invest in our facilities and infrastructure so that we can meet the needs of changing markets, grow new businesses and safeguard Orkney’s harbours and community assets for future generations.

Not only will the Masterplan safeguard existing jobs, but it will also create new ones, providing career opportunities across the entire archipelago. With our commitment to sustainable development, as well as the ambition to promote Orkney as a world-leader in the marine sector, we are building a better Orkney for everyone.

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Aerial view of Scapa Flow, one of Orkney's largest natural harbours

Orkney welcomes the world

Orkney is home to a number of global industries including renewables, energy and tourism. Combining our wealth of natural resources with the Masterplan will mean that the right facilities are built in the right locations, ready for new global challenges.

The Masterplan not only proposes developments but also looks at bringing together all of our assets to enable us to tackle the decarbonisation of ports and shipping through the energy transition towards becoming carbon-free.

To keep up-to-date with the latest news and Orkney Harbour developments, sign up to our mailing list.

Orkney Islands Council Harbour Authority logo
Orkney Islands Council logo

About Orkney Harbour Authority

Orkney Harbour Authority is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of 29 piers and harbours, including Scapa Flow. It is owned by Orkney Islands Council, who are the statutory Harbour Authority, and is one of the UK’s most diverse commercial ports.

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