Scotland’s First Minister has welcomed the news that Scottish Enterprise will contribute £11.7 million towards Aberdeen Harbour’s £350 million expansion — expected to lead to 2,300 new jobs by 2026.
The project, due to be completed in 2020, will provide enhanced facilities and capacity for the oil industry, as well as Scotland’s growing cruise tourism and renewables markets.
The Scottish Enterprise funding is in addition to a loan (of up to £175 million) from the European Investment Bank and up to £11 million from Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils (via the Aberdeen City Region Deal).
Visiting the harbour recently, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Aberdeen Harbour is Scotland’s main oil and gas port and one of Europe’s leading marine support centres for offshore energy.
“This funding will open up significant opportunities to diversify and exploit the rapid growth in cruise tourism and the renewables markets.”
Colin Parker, chief executive of Aberdeen Harbour, said: “This funding is immensely significant, recognising this strategic project as one of national and international importance.
“The new facilities will transform the port’s ability to accommodate larger vessels — a trend we are seeing across a whole range of industries.”