The works are part of the Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) which has been awarded to Spanish firm ACCIONA, in joint venture with UK-based Jones Bros.

The PCSA will see a series of works carried out – including detailed design, ground and marine investigation works and site surveys.

Awarding the PCSA does not mean that a project has been given final approval by elected members – rather that the findings of the work carried out through the PCSA will feed into the final decision-making process of the council in due course.

The PCSA is a significant piece of work and comes at an estimated cost of £7.2 million. £5m of this was provided in a funding announcement from the Scottish Government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, made by First Minister John Swinney on a visit to the county in February.

In December 2024, the council agreed the development of an Offshore Energy Development Strategy, which will aim to maximise the economic, environmental and societal opportunities offered by the development of offshore wind farms in Scotland.

The first iteration of this Strategy will come to elected members later this year.

Oliver Reid, chief executive of Orkney Islands Council, said: “The Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) is a critical component of the procurement process for a major construction project. The key outputs of this piece of work will be detailed planning, cost control, and risk management. It means that we can ensure that any project put forward for the consideration of Elected Members is both viable and cost-effective.

“In short, the PCSA and the work it includes will give the council access to all the information it needs to make an informed decision about the project.

“We are pleased to welcome ACCIONA and Jones Bros to the project, who bring a wealth of additional knowledge and expertise to the table.”

Councillor Kristopher Leask, chair of the council’s Development and Infrastructure Committee, added: “Development of our harbour infrastructure in Orkney is key to attracting private investment into the area, creating new highly paid jobs and unlocking enormous economic opportunities for our islands. This is vital as we tackle the economic challenges facing our communities, including the downturn of the oil industry and our ageing population.

“The focus of the forthcoming Offshore Energy Development Strategy will be on understanding how the council can maximise the opportunities that offshore wind and other offshore energy developments can present for Orkney.

“An expansive amount of work is taking place at present – whether that be the PCSA, taking the project through consents, or the collaborative discussions we are having with industry and Government around investment. We are working together on this to ensure the Council has all the information it needs to make an informed decision on any future infrastructure development.

“The emerging offshore wind industry, alongside a growing tidal sector, is a key opportunity for Orkney. How this council sets the strategic direction ahead and seizes the opportunities these developments provide is a key priority for us.”