Aberdeen Harbour recorded an increase in overall vessel tonnage, with the growing number of foreign vessels and cargo throughput contributing to healthy results for 2010.

Overall vessel tonnage reached its highest ever level with more than 24.2 million gross tonnes of shipping handled, exceeding 24 million gross tonnes for the fourth year in succession. Following a drop in energy sector activity in 2009, the harbour also noted an encouraging step towards recovery, with a marginal increase in the tonnage of oil rig supply vessels using the port to 15.49 million, reflecting the growing trend for newer, larger vessels servicing the offshore industry in the North Sea.

Foreign traffic links continued to grow with West African cargoes up 12% during the year to 52,482 tonnes on 77 vessels compared with 46,270 tonnes carried on 52 ships the previous year. Overall cargo throughput also increased to 4.66 million tonnes helped by increased volumes of scrap metal, road salt and other bulk cargoes.

The port also witnessed significant growth in passenger numbers using the regular ferry link to the Northern Isles with over 149,000 people travelling between Aberdeen, Shetland and Orkney, up 5% on 2009 and the highest level ever recorded.

Colin Parker, chief executive of Aberdeen Harbour comments: “The upturn in activity levels recorded over the last twelve months is extremely promising and highlights the continued regional importance of the harbour within the North-east and its significance on an international scale.

“We saw market conditions improve throughout 2010 and our ongoing development strategy will ensure that we continue to provide world-class facilities for our customers, while attracting new traffic and business streams.

“Over the last 12 months we have invested in a number of projects to improve the harbour, including the ongoing redevelopment of the Torry Quays and the strengthening and deepening of Commercial Quay East.

“We have also seen the number of foot passengers using the harbour continue to rise, clearly illustrating Aberdeen Harbour’s importance not just economically, but in terms of its use as a vital lifeline service between the mainland and the Northern Isles.

“We hope to continue to build on these encouraging results from the last 12 months and secure our position as one of the busiest ports in the UK.”

Tags: Aberdeen Harbour