Plans announced to expand facilities at Aberdeen Habour

By FRANK URQUHART
Published on 12/09/2012 12:26

ABERDEEN Harbour Board has announced plans to commission a major feasibility study into the expansion of facilities at Britain’s biggest oil industry port.

• Aberdeen Harbour is Britain’s largest oil industry port

• The Harbour Board have witnessed ‘considerable growth in the size of ships using the port’ with scope for larger vessels in the future

• Expansion aiming to allow the port to meet the demands of the future and service new business streams

The study follows a continued growth in traffic and cargos at the busy port as well as an increase in the size of the vessels using the harbour.

Shipping at the port is also set to increase because of the potential use of Aberdeen as a hub for offshore wind developments within the National Renewables Infrastructure Plan and its strategic role in the future decommissioning of North Sea oil and gas installations.

Colin Parker, the chief executive of Aberdeen Harbour Board, said: Over the last ten years we have witnessed considerable growth in the size of ships using the port and there is scope for even larger vessels requiring berths in the future.

“In recognition of this, and following numerous approaches from customers, the board has decided that this is the appropriate time to investigate new options that will allow us to continue to offer high standards of facilities for any increase in activity, as well as being able to encourage new traffic flows. “

He continued: “We have invested heavily in our existing infrastructure, most recently at Torry Quay, with Phase One now operational and Phase Two set for completion in the first half of 2013, delivering deep water berthing and a modern fit for purpose quayside. In order to meet the demands of the future and service new business streams, we must consider viable expansion solutions, that will be identified using specific criteria including accessibility – taking into account existing road and rail links; the availability of non-residential land; proximity to existing port facilities; potential impact on and benefits to the surrounding communities; environmental considerations; landscape and visual impact

“It is fundamental that, as Scotland’s largest trust port, we do everything in our power to ensure the continued success of the harbour now and for future generations.”