News

ABERDEEN HARBOUR REPORTS ANOTHER RECORD YEAR

Aberdeen Harbour has announced another record year, with total vessel tonnage handled during 2008 increasing to 24.17 million tonnes and cargo throughput remaining above five million tonnes for the third successive year.

A significant increase in scrap metal tonnages and growing oil related traffic to a number of global destinations, including West Africa and Gulf of Mexico, contributed to overall rise of 2.5% in commercial cargo exports.

Colin Parker, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Harbour comments: We are delighted to report another record breaking year for the port, with 2009 also getting off to a promising start. The increased tonnage of vessels in 2008 and continuing high level of cargo throughput shows the importance of the port to a great many industries and also highlights its significance within the North east’s transport infrastructure.

The port’s annual traffic figures also reveal that over 100 dive support vessels docked in Aberdeen during 2008. In order to accommodate increasing vessel numbers as well as supporting the larger vessels now using the port, the Board is moving forward with the implementation of a £65 million strategic development plan over the next five years to provide increased deep water berthing and additional operational areas for cargo handling.

The investment agreed by the Board is vital to maintain this level of activity but also in growing the port so that we can support larger vessels and provide better dock-side facilities for existing and potential port users, continues Colin. The first stage in this strategy will see the upgrading of Torry Quay, the first phase of which is scheduled to commence later this year.

The port also maintains a vital link between the UK mainland and the Northern Isles. Throughout 2008, over 130,000 passengers travelled between Aberdeen, Shetland and Orkney and 10 cruise vessels visited the port, linking the city to destinations such as Torshavn and Bergen. With another 12 cruise calls scheduled for this year Aberdeen Harbour is proving to be a popular destination.