Arven Offshore Wind Farm is proud to support a major refurbishment of Shetland’s iconic sail training vessel, the Swan, helping to secure her future as a floating classroom for generations to come.

The Swan Trust has confirmed that the vessel will undergo a significant internal refit this winter, thanks to a funding package involving both local and national partners. This includes a contribution from Arven, alongside funding from the Shetland Islands Council’s Coastal Communities Fund, Lerwick Port Authority, Peterson Energy Logistics, and the Trust’s own reserves.

The £97,600 project will see local shipbuilder Malakoff Limited undertake the upgrades, which will include an enhanced galley, heads, storage and workshop layout, as well as improved refrigeration, water tanks and shower facilities. The works are expected to take place from October to December 2025, when the Swan is traditionally berthed for the winter season.

This project marks the most extensive work on the Swan since her full restoration in the 1990s and follows the successful replacement of her main mast in 2024.

Mary Irvine, Chair of The Swan Trust, commented:

“This is the most significant piece of work to be carried out on Swan for the last 30 years. The generous support from our funders, including Arven Offshore Wind Farm, ensures that the Swan remains equipped to deliver inspiring sail training experiences for Shetland’s young people and community groups.”

Arven’s contribution to this project builds on its broader commitment to supporting community-led initiatives across Shetland. From empowering local youth through the Shetland Valkyries rugby team and the Youth Philanthropy Initiative, to backing maritime education via Sail Training Shetland, Arven aims to create meaningful and lasting benefits beyond clean energy.

Aaron Priest, Stakeholder Manager at Arven, said:

“We’re delighted to help enable this important upgrade to the Swan, a vessel that plays a vital role in Shetland’s heritage and youth development. Our investment reflects Arven’s core values – supporting local skills, preserving tradition and creating opportunities as Shetland transitions into a new era of renewable energy.”

Arven Offshore Wind Farm is set to become one of the UK’s largest floating wind developments, with the capacity to generate up to 2.3 GW of renewable electricity –

enough to power two million homes. Located 30 km off the east coast of Shetland, Arven represents a landmark project in Scotland and the UK’s energy transition and its branding pays tribute to Shetland’s Norse and maritime heritage.

By supporting the Swan Trust, Arven ensures that Shetland’s proud seafaring traditions can thrive alongside the islands’ renewable future.