Aberdeen harbour sees rise in cargo and ships

By FRANK URQUHART
Published on 29/01/2013 12:05

BUSINESS is booming at Aberdeen harbour, the main port for the North Sea oil and gas industry.

• Eight per cent rise in vessels using port from 26m tonnes to over 28m tonnes

• Increase in cargo from 4.76m tonnes to 5.14m tonnes in 12 month period

• Significant year on year increases recorded in both cargo and vessels

The harbour board today revealed that the total tonnage of vessels using the port last year rose by eight per cent from nearly 26million tonnes to just over 28million tonnes. And the total tonnage of cargo also rose by eight per cent from 4.76million tonnes in 2011 to 5.14million tonnes in 2012.

A spokeswoman for the harbour board said: “The increase highlights the continued importance of Aberdeen Harbour to the energy sector operating in the UK Continental Shelf, as well as general commercial traffic.

“In addition to larger tonnages and cargo throughput, the overall number of vessels entering the port also grew, from 7,784 in 2011 to 8,142 in 2012 and included a number of vessels entering the port for the first time following the completion of a £5.2million project to widen and deepen the navigation channel.”

Colin Parker, the chief executive of Aberdeen Harbour Board, said: “We continue to see significant year on year increases in vessel numbers and cargo throughput, which underpins the important role Aberdeen Harbour plays as a key strategic resource to offshore activity in the North Sea and wider international energy sector. We have also seen an increase in general commercial traffic to international locations such as Norway, Russia and Africa.

“It is also clear that our decision to widen and deepen the navigation channel has had a positive impact on our business and highlights our commitment to ensure that our customers and continue to receive a world class service.”

He explained that, in a bid to respond to a growing demand for space and services, the board had submitted an application as a candidate to the Scottish Government’s National Planning Framework review as part of moves to assess the viability of potential expansion options for a new or improved harbour facility.

Mr Parker continued: Any future development of the port will require a robust business case, however, Aberdeen Harbour is a key regional resource that generates more than £500million for the North east economy annually.

“Potential development opportunities will help safeguard the port and the city’s position within the energy industry, ensuring the harbour is equipped to accommodate the growth in activity anticipated in the years to come.”

Mr Parker added: “Development of current port facilities has allowed us to accommodate larger vessels, so with this and increasing traffic projected, enhancing facilities will ensure Aberdeen continues to meet the needs of customers while attracting new business to the North east of Scotland.”