Aberdeen Harbour handled a record 2.34 million tonnes of shipping last month, its highest level since September 2008.

This increase is mainly due to growing confidence in the energy sector and this latest announcement comes as the Board confirms the first phase of its £30 million Torry Quay development is on track for completion by the end of 2011.

The initial stage of the largest civil engineering project to be undertaken at the harbour in recent years will include the demolition of the existing upstream quays, replacing them with 300 metres of realigned, deep water berthing.

The development will also provide stronger quays for heavy lifts and create more room in the River Dee for vessels to navigate. The overall project, which is part of Aberdeen Harbour Board’s £65 million development strategy, will result in 580 metres of new deep water berths and more than seven hectares of back up land on the south side of the River Dee.

Aberdeen Harbour is an integral part of the North-east of Scotland’s infrastructure and the development of the port is fundamental to the future economic prosperity of the region. The new facility’s potential uses could include a support base for oil and gas customers and the handling of equipment for offshore renewable energy installations.

Colin Parker, chief executive of Aberdeen Harbour, said: “We are delighted to see an upturn in activity levels at the port, and this is a clear indication that confidence is returning to the oil and gas industry. The harbour is important to the North-east’s infrastructure and the improvements will provide modern facilities and enhanced configuration to better suit the larger vessels using the port. Not only will the new facility offer improved services for existing users, it also opens it up for potential diversification opportunities, particularly renewables.”

“Investment in this area also means that we can attract new customers and extend our reach to a growing number of international destinations bringing increased opportunities to the region.”

Aberdeen Harbour handles around five million tonnes of cargo, valued at £1.5 billion, and growing levels of shipping for a wide range of industries. With more than £200 million invested by the Board in the last 30 years, the port is one of the most modern in Europe.

Tags: Aberdeen Harbour