Aberdeen port reports strong growth

In the first full year since the opening of the £420 million South Harbour, the port saw its turnover rise by 10.5% to £50.7 million.

Vessel arrivals climbed 2.6% to 7,128, with total cargo and vessel tonnage increasing by 4.3% to 30.8 million tonnes. Ferry passenger numbers also rose to 207,318, up 2.8% from 2023.

“The port exists for the benefit of our stakeholders – from the local community and customers to those leading the country – and these positive relationships are essential to our success,” said Roy Buchan, chair of Port of Aberdeen.

Cruise activity reached a new milestone with over one million gross tonnes of cruise vessels and more than 24,000 visitors. The South Harbour also hosted the decommissioning of the North Sea’s largest subsea isolation valve, weighing 440 tonnes.

Chief executive Bob Sanguinetti praised the port’s team for their dedication. “These projects rely on meticulous planning and the commitment of our skilled team to deliver high quality service,” he said.

“While our foundations are strong, the market is shifting, and oil and gas revenues face pressure from policy uncertainty.”

Despite challenges, Sanguinetti sees growth ahead, particularly in offshore wind. “With the right support, we can become an international hub for offshore wind.”

In its drive toward becoming the UK’s first net-zero port by 2040, Aberdeen achieved a 42% reduction in Scope 1 emissions, with further reductions anticipated as green shorepower projects come online in 2025.