Archive (15.08.06)
RECORD FIRST HALF PERFORMANCE AT ABERDEEN HARBOUR
The port of Aberdeen's record-breaking performance continued in the first half of
this year, with further increases in the tonnage of cargo and vessels handled.
In the six months to end-June, the imports and exports passing through the harbour
reached a new high at 2.49 million tonnes, compared with 2.29 million tonnes in the same period in 2005.
The tonnage of vessels was also a new record, at 11.38 million gross
tonnes, up from 9.99 million gross tonnes. The figure reflects a rise in the number of
vessels to 4,120 (3,850) and the larger ships using the port, where there are now 20
deep-water berths following the addition of two more at Albert Quay West earlier this year.
Aberdeen Harbour Board Chief Executive, Colin Parker, said: "The figures are another clear demonstration of
the port's ability to attract and accommodate additional traffic. That capacity will be further strengthened
by a current project creating 20,000 square metres of surfaced back-up area at Point Law Peninsula, and by
other developments in the future.
"The higher price of oil has seen increased activity by many of our users, both in the North
Sea and in exports to West Africa and the Caspian Region. It has not been all oil-related, however,
and other sectors have also generated significant traffic through the port."
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