The Port of Aberdeen has officially kicked off its £420 million ($514 million) expansion project.
Independent study predicts that when the enlarged Port of Aberdeen reaches its full potential, the port’s gross value added contribution would climb by 60 per cent to £2.4 billion ($2.9 billion) and the number of employment supported by 45 per cent to an amazing 17,500.
According to the port, there were 300 employees working onsite at the peak of construction, and more than 30 firms from around the North East of Scotland were engaged in the development of Aberdeen South Harbour.
These local organisations played an instrumental role in the successful completion and benefitted from contact awards of £44 million ($53 million) since 2020, with a further £16 million ($19 million) of work delivered by companies across the rest of Scotland.
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The new harbour has reportedly generated more than £3 million ($3.6 million) of revenue during its phased opening and is attracting vessels and projects.
Increased port activity in energy, trade, and tourism promotes local jobs and encourages local supply chain expenditure and investment, and earnings are returned back into the port to develop facilities for future generations.
With Aberdeen South Harbour complete, Port of Aberdeen is the largest berthage port in Scotland.
The new facility, next to the Energy Transition Zone, can accommodate vessels up to 300 metres in length, with port users and customer benefiting from an additional 1.5 kilometre of deepwater berths, to a maximum depth of 15 metres, 125,000 square-metres of flexible project areas and significant heavy lift capacity.
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According to the Scottish Government’s National Planning Framework 4, the enlarged port is a recognised development.
The port self-funded the expansion project in large part, with assistance from the European Investment Bank, Scottish National Investment Bank, Scottish Enterprise, Aberdeen City Council, and Aberdeenshire Council under the Aberdeen City Region Deal.
Bob Sanguinetti, CEO, Port of Aberdeen, said: “We’re honoured that Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal is joining us for this monumental occasion.
“Port of Aberdeen is the UK’s oldest business and we’re now officially opening the country’s newest harbour. Aberdeen’s expanded port promises a vibrant future for energy, trade, and tourism across Scotland on the road to net zero, unlocking new jobs and attracting investment to the region.”
