Aberdeen Harbour saw significant increases in activity throughout 2010, highlighted by continuing trends in growing vessel tonnage and cargo throughput.

The port saw increased levels of total vessel tonnage, handling more than 24.23 million gross tonnes, up 0.9% on 2009.

Cargo throughput also increased on the previous year, rising to 4.66 million tonnes from 4.54 million tonnes, while the port achieved its highest annual turnover, increasing from £22.17 million to £22.64 million. A major investment of £14 million into the developments of Torry Quay and Commercial Quay resulted in a lower retained profit of £1.13 million, compared to £6.57 million in 2009. Both developments are set to increase future traffic flows and ensure best in class facilities for the port’s many users.

With most sectors busier than the previous year, the port maintained direct links with over 40 different countries. In the energy sector, overall activity increased with record levels of mostly oil and gas related traffic travelling to and from West Africa, increasing by more than 10%.

Aberdeen Harbour also witnessed increased exports of scrap metal and imports of road salt, while growing passenger numbers contributed to record results. An increase in over 5% of those passing through the port, the majority en route to or from the Northern Isles, saw passenger numbers rise from 142,468 to 149,656 in 2010.

Colin Parker, chief executive of Aberdeen Harbour said: “It has been a very busy period for both harbour users and our own staff during 2010. The first quarter of 2011 also proved to be a good start with cargo and vessel tonnage up around 5% on the same period last year and passenger numbers continuing to climb.

“It is paramount that we continue to invest in our facilities to ensure we can provide the best possible service.

“We have now completed the deepening and resurfacing of Commercial Quay East that has provided a much improved cargo handling facility. The Board’s biggest ever civil engineering project at Torry Quays has also been started with the first phase scheduled for completion at the end of this year, as we continue to build on the successes of 2010.”

Tags: Aberdeen Harbour