Putting harbour performance to the test
Members of Aberdeen Harbour Board have seen their potential flagship expansion project at Nigg Bay given life beyond the drawing board for the first time. The Board have recently observed the start of a series of physical model tests that are being undertaken by hydraulic experts at HR Wallingford.
Aberdeen Harbour Board are currently carrying out a feasibility study into expanding their existing harbour facilities into neighbouring Nigg Bay as part of a potential investment, at today’s prices, of £330 million. The expansion provides the potential to accommodate larger cruise ships, ferries and vessels for the oil and gas and renewables industries over an additional 1700m of quay length. The Aberdeen Harbour expansion project is recognised by the Scottish Government as a major infrastructure project of national significance.
Studies have included extensive modelling of waves and currents, layout and breakwater design, navigation simulation in the state-of-the-art UK Ship Simulation Centre and EIA support. The 2D and 3D hydraulic physical modelling of the harbour is being used to test the proposed design and layout, and to verify the performance of the harbour’s breakwaters under a range of wave conditions.
Ian Cruickshank, HR Wallingford’s project director, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Board of Aberdeen Harbour today. We have been working with Aberdeen Harbour for a number of years, developing the engineering scheme for the expansion through to this current design phase. It’s great to see the project progressing this way.”
HR Wallingford claims to have the largest fully commercial physical modelling facilities in Europe. The 2D and 3D hydraulic physical modelling has been co-funded by the European Commission’s Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) Programme.
By Jake Frith
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