IN an industry where success depends on precise execution and reliable equipment, WM Plant Hire prides itself on being a trusted partner in marine construction projects across Scotland and beyond.
The firm told Project Plant that its fleet of specialist long-reach excavators and operators, combined with extensive logistics expertise, has proven invaluable in delivering complex projects in challenging locations.
The company’s range includes heavy-duty long-reach excavators up to 120 tonnes, equipped with advanced features such as GPS guidance systems, underwater capabilities, and specialist attachments. This versatility has enabled its support of diverse projects, from harbour dredging to infrastructure development across Scotland and the western isles, boosting marine access for energy sector logistics.
This year at Shetland’s Grutness Ferry Terminal, WM Plant Hire collaborated with Leask Marine on a challenging project for BAM. The 100-tonne long-reach excavator was selected for optimum power and mobilised from St Ola Pier at Scrabster (WM worked on this with RJ McLeod back in 2021).
The business explained that the project demanded ‘meticulous’ planning, particularly given the remote location and challenging infrastructure.
A key consideration was identifying suitable harbours with appropriate loading and unloading facilities for a long-reach machine of this size and accounting for tidal conditions.
The team navigated narrow roads and coordinated with ferry operators to enable the excavation of 10,000m3 of rock and subsequent dredging and profiling operations.
The Ardersier Port development has seen WM Plant Hire support multiple contractors across different project phases. Initial works in 2024 involved UXO clearance operations with Leask Marine, using a 65-tonne long-reach excavator.
The machine was equipped with blast-proof glass and 3D GPS guidance systems to identify and locate potential ordnance risks underwater. In 2025 a similar machine completed pile line excavation for Statom. Specialist deep dredging operations with DEME more recently utilised a Cat 390 long -each – a 110-tonne machine capable of reaching over 20m depths with its extended pole grab working close to the quay wall as part of the large-scale dredging campaign.
The mobilisation of large abnormal loads presented unique challenges, requiring disassembly of major components for transportation across England and Scotland. WM Plant Hire added that close coordination with multiple police forces and careful logistics planning ensured successful delivery and reassembly on site, ensuring project schedules could be achieved.
“Our team takes pride in providing not just machinery, but comprehensive solutions that combine our logistics expertise with engineering knowledge,” said MD Damian McGettrick. “This enables our clients to select the optimal equipment for their specific operational requirements.”
