THE Port of Aberdeen’s £420 million expansion is to be officially opened.
Independent analyses forecast that, once the expanded port reaches its full potential, its gross value added contribution will jump 60% to £2.4 billion and increase the number of jobs supported by 45% to 17,500.
Some 300 individuals were working on site at the peak of the expansion’s construction, with more than 30 companies from across the north east of Scotland involved. The Port of Aberdeen said that local firms played an ‘instrumental’ role in the successful completion and benefited from contract awards of £44 million since 2020, with a further £16 million of work delivered by firms from the rest of Scotland.
Undergoing a phased opening, the harbour has generated more than £3 million of revenue during this time and is attracting vessels and projects that the Port of Aberdeen said would have previously sailed past the city, often destined for a European port.
This increased activity in energy, trade and tourism supports local jobs, attracts local supply chain spend and investment, and the profits generated are reinvested back into the port to improve the facilities for future generations, it added.
With the expansion complete, the Port of Aberdeen is the largest berthage port in Scotland. The new facility, next to the energy transition zone, can accommodate vessels up to 300m in length, with port users and customer benefiting from an additional 1.5km of deepwater berths, to a maximum depth of 15m, 125,000 sqm of flexible project areas and significant heavy lift capacity. The expanded port is a recognised development under the Scottish Government’s national planning Framework 4.
The expansion project was significantly self-funded by the port with support from the European Investment Bank, Scottish National Investment Bank, Scottish Enterprise, and Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council through the Aberdeen City Region Deal.
Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal will officially open the expansion later today.
Bob Sanguinetti, CEO of the Port of Aberdeen, said, “We’re honoured that Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal is joining us for this monumental occasion. Port of Aberdeen is the UK’s oldest business and we’re now officially opening the country’s newest harbour. Aberdeen’s expanded port promises a vibrant future for energy, trade, and tourism across Scotland on the road to net zero, unlocking new jobs and attracting investment to the region.
Deputy first minister Shona Robison added, “As the largest new marine infrastructure project in the UK, Port of Aberdeen’s South Harbour will have a huge positive impact on the North East of Scotland and will be a national asset of strategic significance to Scotland.
“The Port of Aberdeen is at the forefront of the vital transition to net zero. It will be key to helping pivot our economy towards new decarbonised technologies and fuels, not least in facilitating the growth in offshore wind and developing tidal wave research.
“Aberdeen South Harbour has the potential to capitalise on the existing, strong energy supply chain located in the North East of Scotland.”
Minister for nuclear and networks, Andrew Bowie, commented, “I am thrilled to attend the opening of the Aberdeen South Harbour – this is a staggering feat of British engineering excellence and I look forward to seeing the transformational impact it will have on the local area.
“Constructing the largest marine infrastructure project in Trust Port history shows this country’s ability to attract inward investment, delivering jobs, economic growth and prosperity to the local community while helping us achieve our climate goals.
Garry Murphy, UK head of project management and infrastructure at Turner Townsend, added, “The opening of the South Harbour is a tremendous achievement for Scottish infrastructure and the sector’s progress to net zero – not to mention a source of pride for Turner & Townsend. It demonstrates the hard work from all project partners that has gone into successfully delivering the project’s completion in the face of challenges such as pandemic disruption, and has ultimately showcased the importance of establishing rigorous project controls on major infrastructure programmes to provide assured confidence to client and stakeholders.
“Port of Aberdeen is the UK’s oldest and one of its most successful ports and this vital expansion will ensure its future is just as bright. It will bring wide benefits to both the local and national economy, as well as supporting the energy transition and drive to net zero. As the country aims to deliver greener infrastructure and improve the capacity of its shipping industry, Turner & Townsend is proud to have played a vital part in supporting its successful delivery. We wish the Port future success with its long-term goals.”
