Member News: Port of Aberdeen awards three year maintenance dredging contract

March 23, 2026
Member News: Port of Aberdeen awards three year maintenance dredging contract

Port of Aberdeen has awarded a three-year maintenance dredging contract to Boskalis Westminster Ltd, covering annual dredging campaigns for North Harbour and South Harbour from 2026 to 2028.

The contract covers trailing suction hopper dredging and bed levelling operations, ensuring that berths and navigation channels at both harbours are maintained to their required depths, keeping the port safe and operational for vessels up to 300m-long.

Boskalis’ Freeway trailing suction hopper dredger and MTS Valour bed levelling vessel will conduct the 2026 campaign which is scheduled to start this month. All works will be carried out in accordance with the licence granted from Marine Directorate.

Port of Aberdeen’s survey team carries out hydrographic surveys throughout the year to monitor material build-up and ensure safe navigation. In the weeks before each campaign, bathymetric surveys of both harbours are used to calculate dredge volumes and inform the contractor’s programme and cost estimates. During the campaign, the team carries out interim progress surveys to guide dredging decisions through to safe completion.

John Wilson, Head of Engineering, Port of Aberdeen, said:

“The storms earlier this year deposited significant volumes of material into the port, and our survey team has been working hard to assess the impact and prepare for this year’s campaign. Boskalis know the port well and we’ve been working closely with their team to ensure a safe and successful dredge in 2026 and beyond.”

“We are excited to be back in the Port of Aberdeen having last worked here several years ago. Our collaboration with the Port of Aberdeen has always been excellent and we are looking forward to continuing that cooperation again in the build-up to the 2026 campaign” Paul M. de Jong, Managing Director, Boskalis Westminster Ltd.

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