The port noted a 17% hike in turnover, reaching £39.2 million as vessel arrivals climbed 12% over the previous year, exceeding 6,800. The port facilitated the movement of more than 27.7m tonnes of vessels and goods, consequently recording a substantial operating profit of £21.3m, up 22% from 2021.

The Northern Isles ferry service witnessed a resurgence with passenger numbers escalating to 163,000, marking a 47% increase compared to 2021. This growth in activities has bolstered the local economy, spurring job creation and investment, and amplifying local supply chain spend. As a Trust port, profits are channelled back to augment facilities for future users.

The nearing completion of the Aberdeen South Harbour expansion promises to unlock further growth opportunities for the port, benefiting sectors including oil and gas, renewables, decommissioning, general cargo, and cruises.

Building on the momentum from 2022, the Port of Aberdeen has marked several significant achievements in 2023, including:

• An unprecedented Autumn and Winter period was recorded as its busiest ever, while maintaining safety, efficiency, and service quality for customers.
• South Harbour construction has progressed rapidly with completion anticipated in Q2 2023. A surge in vessel and project activity was reported post a successful “soft start” in July.
• A robust net-zero strategy was unveiled, with the port committing to become the UK’s first net-zero port by 2040, supported by a dedicated £55m investment over the next ten years.
• The port’s first large cruise vessel arrival is set to deliver lasting economic benefits for local communities and the region.

CEO of the Port of Aberdeen, Bob Sanguinetti, commended the team’s dedication and expertise, crediting them for the port’s success.

Mr Sanguinetti said: “None of our success today, or in the future is possible without our people and I am incredibly proud of the team. Their expertise, coupled with our world-class infrastructure, strategic location and unrivalled supply chain on our doorstep means we are ideally positioned to capitalise on opportunities for growth in energy transition, trade, and tourism.

“In recent years, we have invested more than half a billion pounds in our infrastructure and now even closer private and public sector collaboration is needed to unlock the port’s full potential for the nation.”