Aberdeen Harbour saw both its passenger numbers and oil and gas related tonnage rise amid dipped market conditions.
Despite the solid start, chief executive Colin Parker said the 800-year-old harbour must continue to adapt, stating a low oil price could pave the way for a decommissioning uptake.
He said: “Results for the first half of the year have remained steady and on forecast. However, we must be able to adapt to the market around us – something that the port has been doing for the last 800 years. If current market conditions remain in the oil and gas sector, for example, we may well see an increase in decommissioning activity. As such, we have improved the facilities in the harbour to ensure we continue to support the needs of our customers.
“Aberdeen Harbour is not just an oil and gas port, and we continue to serve many industries including agriculture and renewables among others. The connection with Shetland and Orkney is also very important to the harbour and we welcome the increase in passenger numbers for the first half of the year.”
For the first half of the year, Aberdeen Harbour’s vessel tonnage saw a slight increase from 13.3 million tonnes to 13.5 million tonnes. Oil and gas tonnage was up 1%.
The Aberdeen cornerstone welcomed more than 400 international cruise ship passengers from the US and 300 from Australia and New Zealand. The figures contributed to the harbour’s 3.5% passenger growth from 69,000 to 71,400.
However, total vessel arrivals were down by 15 from 3,795 to 3,780.
Aberdeen Harbour is currently conducting a feasability study into expanding the harbour into neighbouring Nigg Bay. It’s thought the move would result in a £2billion boost for the local economy and support up to 16,000 jobs.
The port currently generates £1.5billion for the surrounding region’s economy each year and sustains 12,000 jobs.