Archive ( 07.12.06 )
ABERDEEN HARBOUR HOLDS ANNUAL RATES AND CHARGES AGAIN
Aberdeen Harbour Board are to hold all Rates and Charges at the port at 2006 levels for the coming year -
the eighth time in nine years with no increase in the main charges.
Since the early 1980s, the charges on ships and goods have risen by only 17%, against an increase of 143% in
inflation.
Harbour Board Chief Executive, Colin Parker, said: "The capacity to handle record activity by port users,
the investment in modern facilities and the efficient operation of the port, including cost-control, allow the Board
to hold charges yet again.
"The decision also reflects the Board's commitment to ensuring the port's competitiveness and our confidence
in the future."
At the end of November, the tonnage of shipping using the port this year had passed the level for the
twelve months of 2005, and cargo in 2006 is expected to top five million tonnes for the first time.
"The Board are continuing to invest in the port as part of the strategy to sustain and expand traffic
and to grow the already significant contribution to the economy," Mr Parker added.
All profits are reinvested in maintenance and development, with around £40 million budgeted in the
current five-year plan to 2011, following expenditure of over £150 million since the 1970s.
Rates and Charges include vessel, goods and passenger dues, and other services such as pilotage,
cranes and weighbridges.
|
