Aberdeen crowned Scotland’s largest port

An additional 1.5km of deep-water berths have been added to the South Harbour with a maximum depth of 15 metres, which means 300m long ships can now be accommodated. In total there are now 8km of quayside.

Heavy-lift zones have been added, with 125,000m² of flexible laydown space and expansive project areas.

“The opening of the South Harbour demonstrates the hard work from all project partners that has gone into successfully delivering the project’s completion in the face of challenges such as pandemic disruption, and has ultimately showcased the importance of establishing rigorous project controls on major infrastructure programmes to provide assured confidence to client and stakeholders,” said Garry Murphy, UK head of project management, infrastructure. 

“Port of Aberdeen is the UK’s oldest and one of its most successful ports and this vital expansion will ensure its future is just as bright.”

Details of the ‘Shore Power in Operation’ project, part of the Department for Transport’s Zero Emissions Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) competition, were unveiled at London International Shipping Week.

Port of Aberdeen is leading an industry and academia consortium to deliver the shore power, including Connected Places Catapult, DOF Subsea, Tidewater Marine, OSM Offshore, the University of Manchester’s Tyndall Centre and Buro Happold.

“Shore power is considered the leading option to reduce vessel emissions at berth,” says the port. “It’s a well-tested technology that prepares the port for the future, accommodating hybrid or fully electric vessels. The benefits include cleaner air, lower CO₂ emissions, and reduced noise.”

The project follows a successful Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition-funded feasibility study completed in March 2022. The new funding will see the design and installation of shore power facilities at seven berths on Albert Quay and Mearns Quay in the port’s North Harbour, which will be operational by April 2025.