Asco buys Scrabster Port Services

ASCO, the Aberdeen-based logistics company, is gearing up for the development of oil fields to the west of Shetland after buying Scrabster Port Services (SPS) in what is believed to have been a six-figure deal.

Andrew Macdonald, Asco’s chief executive for its European region, said: “Scrabster will be a key logistics hub as the substantial west of Shetland fields come on-stream in the coming years.

“It offers established quayside services and a fast, direct shipping route to offshore fields from the UK mainland.”

Asco took a 50 per cent stake in SPS in 2009 and has now acquired the remaining half from Port Services Group.

William Calder, chairman of Scrabster Harbour Trust, added: “We welcome the news of the Asco acquisition. This reflects Asco’s confidence in Scrabster’s pivotal role supporting the major oil and gas developments emerging west of Shetland.”

SPS was established in 1997 and has acted as a hub for offshore and production support west of Shetland, on the Atlantic frontier and in the waters surrounding the Faroe Islands.

The port, near Thurso, also handles cargo tonnage and works with cruise ship and research vessel operators.

A development programme is currently taking place at Scrabster to expand its deep-water quay, offering increased berthing space.