Aberdeen harbour has taken another step on its way to delivering a £400million expansion with the appointment of a legal adviser for the project.
Pinsent Masons will advise on procurement, construction, funding, planning, environmental and property issues relating to the planned Nigg Bay facility to the south of the existing harbour.
The transformation of Nigg Bay is seen as vital if Aberdeen is to capitalise on the cruise ship, renewables and decommissioning industries.
In April the Aberdeen Harbour Board said a lack of deep-water capacity at the port meant it would be difficult to improve on its performance in 2014, when it turned over £29million and increased vessel arrivals by 1.3% to 7,900.
The expansion is also a priority for the Scottish Government, which has identified it as one of 14 projects that are of national importance.
It would provide an extra 4,500ft of quay, a minimum water depth of 9metres, a wide entrance and turning circle, and a laydown area of more than 1.3million sq ft.
An independent report published in late 2013 said Aberdeen harbour could be worth £2billion to Scotland’s economy in 20 years if Nigg Bay is fully developed, compared to £1.1billion if the work is not carried out.
Colin Parker, chief executive officer of the harbour board, said: “Aberdeen Harbour Board is progressing its feasibility study including the required consents for this ambitious project, which it is estimated would generate an extra £1billion for the Scottish economy and create up to 3,000 new jobs.
“The appointment of Pinsent Masons is a crucial element in the delivery of our ongoing requirements for this strategic project.”
The harbour board has said it is targeting completion in 2020-21.
The Pinsent Masons team will be led by infrastructure specialist Drysdale Graham.
Mr 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.”
The firm recently advised on the preferred bidder on the £550million Aberdeen city bypass and the £800million Queensferry Crossing.
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