Aberdeen Port Expansion Study

Aberdeen Harbour Board, UK, has commenced a major feasibility study into the potential expansion of facilities at the port. The potential for expansion will be considered alongside specific criteria, with the need for efficient and effective access links and minimising traffic being of prime importance.

The study, involving external consultancies working alongside the Harbour’s management team, is designed to explore the future requirements of present and potential port users while also assessing what could be physically provided in order that a comprehensive and clear business case can be considered. The initial findings are expected in the new year.

Continued growth in traffic and cargos, as well as an increase in the size of the vessels has prompted the study, as projections indicate that Aberdeen Harbour will remain the principal port for the oil and gas sector in the North Sea and West of Shetland. The harbour has also been outlined as a potential hub for offshore wind developments within the National Renewables Infrastructure Plan and is expected to play an important and strategic role in the decommissioning sector.

Aberdeen Harbour is one of the UK’s most well-connected ports and the centre of activity for the energy industry’s marine operations in north-west Europe. With trading links to more than 40 countries, the port is key to sustaining the commercial growth of the region and is a vital part of Scotland’s transport infrastructure.

Aberdeen Harbour chief executive, Colin Parker said that in order to meet the demands of the future and service new business streams, the Board must consider expansion solutions, that will be identified using specific criteria including accessibility, taking into account existing road and rail links; the availability of non-residential land; proximity to existing port facilities; potential impact on and benefits to the surrounding communities; environmental considerations; landscape and visual impact.