Archive ( 31.03.05 )
ANOTHER RECORD-BREAKING YEAR AT ABERDEEN HARBOUR
Five new records established
A record-breaking performance by Aberdeen Harbour in 2004 saw the tonnage of cargo and shipping handled rise to new levels in a year when development continued to position the port for the future.
Cargo reached 4.7 million tonnes, an increase of 22% on 2003 (3.8 million tonnes). The volume of shipping rose for the sixth year in succession, totalling 21.1 million tonnes, up more than 2 million tonnes. The record included the port's busiest single week yet, with more than 497,000 tonnes of shipping.
The 18,286 gross tonne pulp carrier, Finnfighter, became the biggest ship yet to enter the port, highlighting Aberdeen's deep-water berthing for the larger vessels now in operation.
An increase in the number of vessel arrivals - 8,334 compared with 7,456 the previous year - reversed the recent downward trend and also contributed to the jump in the tonnage of shipping.
Growth in oil-related and commercial traffic contributed to a record turnover at Aberdeen Harbour Board of £18.3 million, up 12% on 2003. The pre-tax profit amounted to £6.9 million, (£6.2 million) due to higher turnover and investment income, offset by higher depreciation charges.
Commenting on "yet another successful year, with one of the best performances in the port's long history," Harbour Board Chairman, David Paton, said: "The continued growth is built on our long-term development strategy and contributes greatly to securing a strong future."
The Chairman's Statement added: "The Harbour, as a key component of the transport infrastructure, plays an increasingly vital role in serving the trade and industry of North East Scotland, making a major contribution to economic activity and employment.
"The Board are forward-looking in actively pursuing further development and diversification of traffic through the port and in maximising our input to the Scottish economy."
With all profits reinvested in the port, an active maintenance and development programme continued in 2004 and included progressing the design of a state-of-the art Marine Operations Centre which will further improve efficiency of operations, and a decision to create additional deep-water facilities with a £4.5 million redevelopment of Albert Quay West.
There was also significant investment in new measures to comply with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code. "This work is greatly enhancing security at the port and is also making a valuable contribution to safety on the quayside," commented Mr Paton.
As an international port, Aberdeen again had direct, regular links with almost 30 countries.
In a year when barley exports were notably higher, the Board leased out a transit shed for storage of harvested grain ahead of shipment in a move designed to consolidate the port's role.
There was continued growth in passenger traffic on the daily Orkney and Shetland ferry routes which, along with a number of visiting cruise ships, brought total passengers at the port to more than 132,000.
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