With the feasibility and consultation process continuing into 2008, costs have yet to be finalised. However, the multi-million £ project is expected to require the largest single investment in the port’s modern era.
It is envisaged that the scheme will involve reconstruction and realignment of ageing quays along 540 metres of the south side of the river – involving Torry and Maitland Quays - to create six new, deepwater berths, with River Dee Dock filled in to provide an extensive back-up area to support shipping operations.
Currently mainly used by oil-related companies, the South Side is the last in a series of projects which has seen quays reconstructed throughout the port as part of a modernisation programme. The Board have reinvested more than £200 million in the port’s development and maintenance in recent decades.
Harbour Board Chief Executive, Colin Parker, explained. “Several of the South Side quays are around a century old and their condition demands replacement. In addition, they are too short to easily accommodate the modern wider and deeper vessels now using the Dee. The quays also need to be strengthened for use by the latest cranes.
“The current berthing layout restricts vessel movements in the river and the new design will accommodate greater flexibility and safety.
“By providing a location for the marshalling and storage of cargoes arriving at and leaving the port, the back-up area will improve the efficiency of operations on the Dee and facilitate more cost-saving sharing opportunities for port users.”
The availability of services within the area will also remove the requirement for vessels to change berth within the port during their visit, thereby reducing movements, turnaround time and costs, and contributing to safety.
The Harbour Board hope the phased work will start in 2008, with completion over three years.
Colin Parker added: “The South Side proposal is in line with our responsibility to ensure the future viability of Aberdeen as a multi-user port during and beyond the offshore oil and gas industry’s operations. The redeveloped River Dee will be a key factor in the continuing successful operation of the harbour.”
Presentations to and consultations with stakeholders, relevant authorities and the local community are underway.
Record traffic in the 21st century has seen annual cargo top five million tonnes and the tonnage of shipping reach 23.5 million gross tonnes. The port contributes £420 million a year to the North-east economy and helps sustain almost 11,000 full-time equivalent jobs.
As part of the Board’s strategy to create room for more, a 20,000 square metre back-up area is nearing completion at Point Law Peninsula and a 16,000 square metre area is under development at Waterloo Quay.