It is the UK’s oldest existing business but Aberdeen Port has its sights set firmly to the future following the completion of the country’s newest harbour.
Despite several setbacks and delays and being millions of pounds over budget, Aberdeen’s South Harbour is now fully operational after more than ten years in the making.
The £420m expansion will allow larger vessels including cruise ships to dock in the north east.
Port of Aberdeen CEO, Bob Sanguinetti told STV News: “This is a significant milestone for not just the port but for Aberdeen and the region more widely.
“We have now become 100% operational in South Harbour – so we have gone from the biggest marine infrastructure project in the UK to now, together with the existing harbour, becoming the largest port in terms of quayside length in Scotland.”
It’s hoped the newly extended harbour will become the first net zero port in the UK.
The facility is supporting local jobs and will have welcomed 40 cruise ships by the end of the season.
Bosses say that’s a significant increase from previous year and is a huge boost to the local and regional economies.
Chief executive officer Bob Sanguinetti said: “We can see that increasing year on year so that’s a tremendous boost to the economy.
“It’s great for the hospitality sector, it’s great for tourism, it’s great for everyone in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
“It does place us right at the heart of the country’s energy transition efforts so we will continue to support oil and gas today as we go through the transition into energy renewables in the future.”
The South Harbour will be officially opened by the Princess Royal next month prior to an open day for the public.
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