Traffic increase at Aberdeen harbour due to upsurge in North Sea oil and gas activity

AN UPSURGE in North Sea oil and gas activity has helped lead to a “significant” increase in traffic at Aberdeen harbour in the first six months of the year.

The number of oil industry support vessels using the port at Europe’s oil and gas capital has increased by nine per cent - from 2,580 to 2,814. And exports and overall traffic at the port have also increased over the same period.

Figures released by Aberdeen Harbour Board show that the total number of vessels using the port rose by five per cent on the same period last year to nearly 4,000 while shipping tonnage increased by almost nine per cent – from 12.2 million tonnes to 13.3 million tonnes.

Exported goods including oil and gas-related equipment, also increased by more than eight per cent to 1.37 million tonnes during the first six months of 2012. Imported cargoes increased slightly by 0.3 per cent to 1.07 million tonnes.

The Northlink ferry services to the Northern Isles recorded 66,500 passengers passing through the port.

Colin Parker, the chief executive of Aberdeen Harbour Board, said: “These are particularly strong results which once again highlight Aberdeen harbour’s contribution to both the regional and national economy, and the vital role it holds within the energy industry. We are pleased with the performance over the first six months of 2012 and are equally proud of the role Aberdeen Harbour has played in handling the growth in exports generated by the local industries.”

He added: “We are conscious of the need to maintain and improve upon the high standards port users expect and our continuing investment will allow the harbour to keep ahead of the game in order to benefit our existing customers while allowing us to service emerging markets such as decommissioning and offshore wind turbine deployment.”