£30m project gets under way at Aberdeen harbour

WORK began yesterday on the first phase of the £30 million redevelopment of one of the main quays at Aberdeen harbour.

The initial stage of the three phase project at the Torry Quay, which will take 18 months to complete, will include the demolition of the existing berths and replacing them with 300 metres of deep water quays.

The development will also provide stronger quays for heavy lifts and create more room in the River Dee for vessels to navigate.

A spokeswoman for the harbour board said: "Future uses of the new facility could include a support base for oil and gas customers and the handling of equipment for offshore renewable energy installations."

Ken Reilly, the board's engineering director, said: "As one of the busiest ports in the UK, it is essential we continue to further develop the harbour to support the requirements of the diverse range of existing and potential port users."