The Port of Aberdeen reported an increase in turnover to £33.5million in 2021, as significant progress continued with its nationally important £400million port expansion project.
While still experiencing the detrimental impact of the pandemic, turnover for the year increased by 1.5% and an operating profit of £17.4million was earned in 2021, compared with £16.9million in 2020.
In 2021, just over 6,000 vessels entered the port, representing a 2% decrease in arrival numbers compared with 2020. The decline in visits was in the smaller tonnage classifications, particularly focused on oil and gas supply vessels, while larger tonnage vessels numbers, including general goods and dive support vessels, remained less volatile.
Construction of Aberdeen South Harbour continued at pace in 2021, as the project moved from marine to land construction. The Port is gearing up for operations at the port expansion project, with the first commercial vessels expected this summer as a ‘soft start’ prior to operations commencing in October.
Chairman Alistair Mackenzie said: “The progress at our South Harbour expansion site has been remarkable. The site looks different every time I visit, which is down to the unwavering commitment from all those working on the project. I would like to thank our team and contractors for their constant hard work.”
Aberdeen Harbour’s rebrand to Port of Aberdeen marks a new chapter in the port’s almost 900-year history.
The name change in the operating entity follows the latest strategic review of the organisation, which sets the course of the port for the next 5-10 years under a new vision: to become Scotland’s premier net zero port, offering world class facilities and services, at the heart of the nation’s energy transition efforts.
Port of Aberdeen is at the heart of the Aberdeen City and Peterhead Green Freeport bid which will deliver new energy, new opportunities and regional transformation. A successful bid will create a global leader in sustainable energy and innovation, transform the region into a powerhouse of new trade and investment, and generate thousands high-skilled, green jobs and opportunities for those that need them most.
Chief Executive Bob Sanguinetti said: “We are building on our history and heritage as we enter a new era as Port of Aberdeen. The city is perfectly located to be Europe’s energy transition capital, and our £400million expansion project will be at the heart of the development of high potential sectors, including offshore wind and green hydrogen.
“Green Freeport status for North-east Scotland will transform the region and deliver unmatched value for Scotland. A successful bid would accelerate new, sustainable energy and innovation, deliver a managed and Just Transition that leads the nation to net zero and, most importantly, create high-skilled, green jobs across a diverse range of industries.”