Port sees record year for trading

CROMARTY Firth Port Authority, the largest deepwater port in the Highlands, enjoyed a record trading year in 2009 with an increase in turnover, profit and port activity.

CFPA saw a 38 per cent increase in turnover last year to more than 4.5 million, up from 3.2m in 2008 and 2.8m in 2007.

Pre-tax profits for 2009 also hit a record 968,000 despite the recession. This figure compared to 367,000 the previous year – a rise of more than 163 per cent.

The primary areas of increased business were oil rigs anchored in the Cromarty Firth, and a rise in general shipping in the area.

Non-shipping activities at CFPA's service base in Invergordon increased by more than 17 per cent over the 2008 figure. The authority said it also succeeded in cutting operating costs.