Pinsent Masons lands £400m Aberdeen Harbour project

Aberdeen Harbour has appointed Pinsent Masons as legal adviser for its proposed Harbour Expansion Project.

The firm will advise on procurement, construction, funding, planning, environmental and property issues relating to the £410 million proposed project located south of the existing Aberdeen Harbour.

The Nigg Bay facility is included in the Scottish Government’s National Planning Framework 3 (NPF3) and would meet future demand for deep berthing space for oil and gas and renewables sector vessels and could attract larger cruise ships to Aberdeen.

The Pinsent Masons team will be led by infrastructure specialist Drysdale Graham, supported by the firm’s Aberdeen head of office Roger Connon, construction law expert Michael Allan and Stuart Cairns, who is the firm’s UK lead on public procurement.

Drysdale Graham said: “We are delighted to be appointed to work with Aberdeen Harbour on what would be one of the largest and most important infrastructure project in Scotland for some time.

“Our previous experience of harbour and marine related work, allied to a proven track record on procurement and significant infrastructure projects, proved to be an appealing proposition to Aberdeen Harbour Board and we look forward to help delivering this exciting project on time and within budget.”

Colin Parker, Aberdeen Harbour chief executive officer, said “Aberdeen Harbour Board are progressing their feasibility study including the required consents for this ambitious project, which it is estimated would generate an extra £1 billion for the Scottish economy and create up to 3000 new jobs. The appointment of Pinsent Masons is a crucial element in the delivery of our ongoing requirements for this strategic project.”

The Aberdeen Harbour Expansion Project appointment consolidates Pinsent Masons’ reputation as a key adviser on large scale infrastructure projects following on from the firm advising the preferred bidder on the £550 million Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route and on the £800 million Queensferry Crossing (the new Forth Road Bridge).

Roger Connon added: “We made a conscious decision to hire the best available legal talent which added to the strength of our existing energy and maritime teams and that is clearly paying off. The Aberdeen Harbour Expansion Project award ensures we end 2015 on a high and puts Pinsent Masons in strong position to bid for other landmark infrastructure projects across Scotland.”