IT is said to be the oldest business in the UK, with a history stretching back more than 900 years.
And now a new chapter is to be written in the story of Aberdeen harbour as the final pieces of an ambitious £350 million expansion plan fall into place.
More than £11m of public money is being given to the project, which will improve facilities at the site and could help create 2,300 jobs.
It is a far cry from the days when the Vikings came calling in the 1100s, or when fears over a Spanish invasion prompted the formation of a dedicated watch in 1593.
Chief executive of Aberdeen Harbour Colin Parker said the funding, from Scottish Enterprise, is “immensely significant” as it “further demonstrates recognition of this strategic project as one of national and international importance”.
He added: “The facilities developed will transform the port’s ability to accommodate the trend for larger vessels we are witnessing across a whole range of industries, thereby encouraging commercial diversification and future-proofing the port’s ability to support large scale marine operations.”
The harbour was established at the order of King David I of Scotland when he granted a charter to the local bishops to charge a tithe on arriving vessels.
In a long, unbroken line since then the facility has been developed many times, with its current status owing much to the success of the oil industry. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the plan will help open up “significant opportunities”. The project, which is due to be finished in 2020, will improve facilities, benefiting the oil industry as well as the renewables market and growing numbers of visiting cruise ships.
The expansion of the harbour could help create 2,300 jobs in the period up to 2026, according to the Scottish Government. As well as the cash from Scottish Enterprise, the work is being funded with a loan of up to £175m from the European Investment Bank, together with £11m from Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire councils, as part of the area’s city region deal.
Ms Sturgeon said: “Aberdeen Harbour is Scotland’s main oil and gas port and one of Europe’s leading marine support centres for offshore energy. This funding will open up significant opportunities to diversify and exploit the rapid growth in cruise tourism and the renewables markets in Scotland.
“We are already seeing Scottish-based firms seizing decommissioning opportunities, and we are committed to supporting Scottish industry to win further valuable contracts. That’s why we developed a decommissioning plan last year, and have since launched the £5 million Decommissioning Challenge Fund.”
Maggie McGinlay of Scottish Enterprise said: “The Aberdeen Harbour expansion project is strategically important to the growth of Scotland’s economy. A recent impact assessment study confirmsThe project will not only help sustain growth in the oil and gas sector, but will also help to maximise opportunities from the growing cruise tourism and renewables sectors.”
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