Plans by Aberdeen Harbour Board to construct additional berthing facilities at Nigg Bay have received a further boost.

In a statement, the organisation said that an independent report estimated the economic benefit of the development to both the local and national economies to be almost £1bn per year.

The report comes as the Scottish Government, as part of their National Planning Process, named the Nigg Bay Development as one of 14 projects they feel to be of national importance to the country.

The report – Economic Impact of Aberdeen Harbour Nigg Bay Development – was commissioned by Scottish Enterprise and produced by Midlothian-based BiGGAR Economics, looked at the impact of a potential second harbour being built within Nigg Bay.

It said that under a full development scenario, which includes an upgrade of the road infrastructure around the bay, as well as an improved coastal road linking through to the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR), would result in Aberdeen Harbour contributing £2bn to the Scottish economy on an annual basis, plus support 15,000 jobs.

-- Advertisement --

Of this amount, the port would contribute an additional £500m to Aberdeen City and Shire.

Welcoming the publication, Aberdeen Harbour Board Chief Executive, Colin Parker, said: "We are delighted that our project is being recognised for its full worth, both independently and by the Scottish Government. As a Trust Port, our mission is to create a harbour that is fit for purpose for future generations, and which truly reflects our customers' needs.

"We believe that a second harbour at Nigg Bay would fulfill both of these requirements. This report, and the support of the government, reinforces our belief that the development would provide significant economic rewards, not only for our customers, local communities, Aberdeen City and Shire, but for Scotland as a whole.

"The initial studies indicate that the £320million development at Nigg Bay could create up to 1500 metres of deep-water quays. This increase in capacity is vital in order to accommodate the demands that the harbour is currently facing, whilst also positioning us to attract future traffic flows associated with the subsea and renewables sectors."

Scottish Enterprise Energy Sector Portfolio Director, Maggie McGinlay, added: "Aberdeen Harbour is one of Europe's leading marine support centres for offshore energy and makes significant contribution to the Scottish economy. Aberdeen Harbour links with over 40 countries across the world and plays a critical role in supporting Scotland's oil and gas sector.

"The results of this research show that any additional capacity at the port would further support the oil and gas industry supply chain, ensuring there is a long-term vibrant sector anchored in Scotland."

(JP/MH)