The recent visit of the HHL Rio de Janeiro marked another milestone for Aberdeen Harbour, as it became the longest vessel to enter the Port.
At 168.65 metres long, the cargo vessel made a short stop in Aberdeen to load buoyancy modules for the oil and gas industry, ahead of departing on a 44-hour journey to Le Trait in France. From there she will head on to her ultimate destination of Takoradi, Ghana.
The arrival of the HHL Rio de Janeiro is the latest in the on-going trend for larger vessels and highlights the need for Aberdeen to be able to support traffic of a greater length and breadth.
Colin Parker, chief executive of Aberdeen Harbour said: “The HHL Rio de Janeiro is the latest in a number of vessels that clearly demonstrates the need for the potential expansion of Aberdeen Harbour into Nigg Bay. In order to remain competitive and to support the global industries that use our port on a daily basis, we must be in a position to provide fit-for-purpose facilities.
“This is a critical time for Aberdeen and its future. The timing of the development gives us a great opportunity to build on our current traffic flows, anchor decommissioning activity in the North-east of Scotland and continue to build on our strong international links. The proposed deep-water quays at Nigg Bay would complement the existing capabilities, experience and established suite of service providers, already in place at the current Harbour, while opening up the port to new market potential in the cruise industry, for example.”
Although the possible expansion of Aberdeen Harbour into Nigg Bay is still a feasibility study, the three main elements of the required planning consent application, a Harbour Revision Order, Marine Licenses and Planning Permission in Principle have been submitted. A final decision on the project expected in late summer.