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ABERDEEN HARBOUR ANNOUNCES STRONG PERFORMANCE FOR 2008

Following a year of record vessel tonnage and healthy cargo throughput, Aberdeen Harbour has announced strong financial figures for 2008.

With total vessel tonnage increasing to 24.17 million tonnes and cargo throughput remaining above five million tonnes for the third successive year, annual turnover rose by more than 5%, from £20.9 million in 2007 to £21.98 million in 2008. Retained profit for the year totalled £6.795 million against £6.599 million in 2007.

As a Trust Port, all profits are reinvested in the development and maintenance of the harbour. With projects totalling over £200 million in recent years, the Board is moving forward with a £65 million strategic development plan over the next five years to provide increased deep water berthing and additional operational areas for cargo handling.

Colin Parker, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Harbour comments: "The continued growth in business throughout 2008 highlighted the port's significance within the local economy and to the North east's transport infrastructure. It has also allowed us to develop our 5-year investment strategy, which will provide our current users and prospective customers with more efficient and cost effective facilities.

"While, to date, 2009 has been a little quieter than last year the port remains busy, with an increase in passenger numbers for the first four months and a welcome growth in grain exports. The closure of the paper mill at Inverurie has been reflected in our import tonnages but other traffic flows are being pursued."

Aberdeen Harbour continues to develop links to a number of global destinations with routes to West Africa and the Gulf of Mexico, contributing to an overall rise of 2.5% in commercial cargo exports.