Aberdeen harbour sets new record

Aberdeen Harbour: Latest figures underpin importance to economy. Picture: Craig Stephen

• Aberdeen Harbour’s turnover increased by 13 per cent last year

• Phase One of the £30m Torry Quay redevelopment was completed during 2012.

Last year the overall vessel tonnage handled by the port increased by eight per cent from 25.91 million tonnes in 2011 to 28.19 million tonnes, according to a report issued today by Aberdeen Harbour Board.

The port also recorded an eight per cent increase in cargo handled, increasing from 4.76 million tonnes in 2011 to 5.14 million tonnes in 2012.

As a result, Aberdeen Harbour’s annual turnover increased by 13 per cent to £27.37 million from £24.06 million in 2011, recording a retained profit of £7.46 million.

Colin Parker, the board’s chief executive, said: “These results underpin Aberdeen Harbour’s importance to the North east economy. The level of revenue assists the Board in its continued investment in existing facilities and ongoing maintenance of current infrastructure. As a trust port all profits are retained and reinvested back into projects that will allow us to achieve this.

“We continue with a strategy of continuous improvement and that means we are well equipped to meet the needs of our customers and play our part in attracting new business to Aberdeen.”

A board spokesman explained: “Improvement works in 2012 included the widening of the navigation channel from 33 metres to 70 metres in width and deepening the entrance at a cost of £5.2 million. This work enabled the port to welcome its largest ever vessels to date.

“Phase One of the harbour’s £30 million Torry Quay redevelopment was also completed during 2012, providing a further 260 metres of realigned deep-water berthing. Phase Two of this development will add a further 140 metres and is due for completion during the first half of 2013.”