£420m Port of Aberdeen crowned Scotland's largest port

The transformational £420 million expansion project of Aberdeen South Harbour has been completed and the Port of Aberdeen - Scotland's largest port, is now fully operational.

HRH The Princess Royal officially opened the expansion project, with quayside construction now complete at Aberdeen South Harbour and the expanded port now offering customers and port users 8km of quayside, making it Scotland’s largest berthage port.

The expansion project has represented the UK’s largest marine infrastructure project.

Turner & Townsend was heavily involved in delivering this major project, with Garry Murphy, UK head of project management, infrastructure, citing it as a "tremendous achievement for Scottish infrastructure and the sector’s progress to net zero – not to mention a source of pride for Turner & Townsend".  

"It 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," Murphy said.

“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.  

"It will bring wide benefits to both the local and national economy, as well as supporting the energy transition and drive to net zero.  

"As the country aims to deliver greener infrastructure and improve the capacity of its shipping industry, Turner & Townsend is proud to have played a vital part in supporting its successful delivery.  We wish the Port future success with its long-term goals.”

South Harbour adds an additional 1.5km of deepwater berths (up to a maximum of 15m depth) to the port estate and can accommodate ships up to 300m in length, a significant increase to the port’s previous capability of 165m. 

It also has extensive heavy-lift zones, and 125,000m2 of flexible laydown space with expansive project areas.

A remarkable feat of engineering and collaboration, South Harbour is a testament to Port of Aberdeen’s commitment to creating prosperity for generations and supporting the city’s growth in energy, trade and tourism.

The new facility has been heavily utilised since the phased opening began in July 2022. 

The new harbour has attracted longer, deeper and wider vessels, while supporting new projects that would have previously sailed by the city. 

This increased activity supports local jobs, attracts local supply chain spend and investment, and the profits are reinvested back into the port to improve the facilities for future generations.

Bob Sanguinetti, CEO, Port of Aberdeen said: “This is a momentous milestone for Port of Aberdeen, as the UK’s oldest business completes construction of the country’s newest harbour. 

"This achievement reflects the dedication and determination of everyone involved in the project from concept to construction and now completion.

“The expanded Port of Aberdeen will play a pivotal role in supporting energy, trade and tourism growth across the region, and Scotland more widely, while supporting increased jobs and investment for decades to come."

A public open day at the new harbour, featuring vessel tours, exhibitions from port stakeholders, children’s entertainment, and quality food and refreshments from local providers was hailed a success.