Aberdeen Harbour reports a healthy first half of 2010, with quarter two closing ahead of forecast.

While the first quarter of 2010 was consistent with previous year's activity the second quarter has seen a rise of more than 1.2% and 0.6% respectively in overall vessel tonnage and cargo throughput. The period from April to June 2010 saw 1.19 million tonnes of cargo pass through the port and 6.26 million tonnes of shipping, compared with 1.18 and 6.19 respectively in 2009.

For the second consecutive year, the port has witnessed significant growth in passenger numbers using the regular ferry link to the Northern Isles. Over 68,000 people travelled between Aberdeen, Shetland and Orkney between January and June, against 63,000 over the same time the previous year.

Activity in the energy sector continues to increase following a slight decline in oil and gas related traffic during 2009 and the port has maintained its regular scheduled links to West Africa. General cargo including, scrap metal, salmon feed and grain exports were in line with projections.

Colin Parker, chief executive of Aberdeen Harbour said: 'The results from the first half of the year have been extremely promising and we are delighted to have exceeded our forecast for the second quarter. We have maintained busy global links through our regular scheduled international shipping services and increased the number of passengers using the port. This highlights the regional importance of the harbour's role within the North-east.

'Despite this positive start to the year, we are not complacent and continue to invest in new port infrastructure, such as the Torry Quay redevelopment and Commercial Quay East. This ongoing investment in the port provides our customers with cost effective and fit for purpose facilities enabling us to maintain our position as one of the UK's busiest ports.'

Tags: Aberdeen Harbour