Neil Gray MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy, visited Port of Aberdeen today (15 January) to see first-hand its role in driving economic growth and supporting Scotland’s Just Transition.
During his visit to the port’s £420 million Aberdeen South Harbour expansion, which officially opened in September 2023, Mr Gray learned about the port’s evolution into a world-class marine logistics hub for the offshore wind industry, alongside its ongoing support for North Sea oil and gas operations.
Mr Gray was briefed on a proposed multi-million pound dredging project at South Harbour. This project, aimed at boosting the harbour’s capacity for floating wind operations, involves deepening the basin along Dunnottar Quay to -14m below chart datum.
Cabinet Secretary for the Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy Neil Gray said:
“The transformational Port of Aberdeen is a hugely important gateway to Scotland’s economy and a catalyst for growth in energy, trade and tourism in the North East and across the country
“Underlining our absolute determination to maximise the economic opportunities and benefits from our offshore wind potential, we are kick-starting our commitment to anchor our offshore wind supply chain in Scotland with investment of £67 million next year.
“This is the first tranche of our pledge to invest up to £500 million over the next five years.
“The recently completed construction of South Harbour, with support from the Scottish Government and its agencies, to service the floating offshore wind industry and reduce maritime emissions will help propel Scotland’s transition to a net-zero economy which is fair, green and growing.”
Bob Sanguinetti, CEO, Port of Aberdeen, said: “We have invested £420 million in a strategic asset that will benefit Scotland and the wider UK. The expanded port has the potential to support 17,500 jobs and deliver £2.4bn Gross Value Added. However, this requires a carefully managed energy transition, balancing a strong oil and gas industry committed to achieving net zero with the growing renewables sector. An abrupt decline could severely impact the port, its clients, and the specialised supply chain.
“Port of Aberdeen is a case study of energy transition in action. We’re continuing to support our customers in oil and gas and onto decommissioning, while increasing our renewables business through existing and planned offshore wind developments.
“Optimising South Harbour for floating offshore wind will ensure the unrivalled energy supply chain in Aberdeen and wider North East of Scotland can maximise the opportunities presented by ScotWind and INTOG. However, we can’t do it on our own, and partnership with the public and private sectors will build on an existing strategic asset to deliver Scotland’s offshore wind ambitions.”