Aberdeen Harbor Reports Record Results in 2012

Aberdeen Harbor Board’s annual results have revealed record vessel activity in 2012 and record levels of cargo passing through the port.

Overall vessel tonnage handled by the port increased by 8%, from 25.91 million tons in 2011, to 28.19 million tons in 2012. The Harbor also saw an 8% increase in cargo handled, increasing from 4.76 million tons in 2011 to 5.14 million tons in 2012 - another record for the Port.

As a result, Aberdeen Harbor’s annual turnover increased by 13% to £27.37 million from £24.06 million in 2011, recording a retained profit of £7.46 million.

Improvement works in 2012 included the widening of the navigation channel from 33 meters to 70 meters in width and deepening the entrance at a cost of £5.2 million. This work enabled the port to welcome its largest ever vessels to date. Phase One of the Harbor’s £30 million Torry Quay redevelopment was also completed during 2012, providing a further 260 meters of realigned deep-water berthing. Phase Two of this development will add a further 140 meters and is due for completion during the first half of 2013.

Additional facilities are required to support oil and gas and renewable energy investment, freight traffic and transport links to the Northern Isles. With levels of activity bringing the port closer to capacity, inclusion in NPF3 encourages Aberdeen Harbor Board to continue its current feasibility study into its options for growth. Aberdeen Harbor’s Directions for Growth Document, published in December 2012, identified Nigg Bay as its preferred location for a new deep-water facility.

www.aberdeen-harbour.co.uk