BP will have a base at Aberdeen harbour for at least another decade after agreeing a £25million deal with the port authority.
The firm’s commitment to the facility came in a contract extension with Aberdeen Harbour Board (AHB).
BP will remain at Albert Quay, where it has three berths and land at the quayside, until 2023 under the agreement.
The oil and gas giant has used the quay since it opened in 2003.
Around 60 people work at the site and it is understood this could increase in the coming years as BP steps up its operations in the North Sea and west of Shetland.
Around 500,000 tonnes of cargo is already handled at Albert Quay annually, while there are 600 vessel voyages in and out of the dock every year.
BP operates about eight supply ships out of the harbour to support around 14 platforms, rigs and floating production vessels in the North Sea.
Mark Hardie, BP’s UK logistics infrastructure manager, said: “This (contract) award is another key component of BP’s long-term marine strategy and commitment to Aberdeen.
“Over the last decade, AHB has provided BP with a world-class facility at Albert Quay and this new 10-year award allows both organisations to further expand and improve service levels to BP’s offshore operations.”
AHB chief executive Colin Parker said: “We welcome this very strong commitment by BP to the port and the very clear message it sends out regarding the longevity of the region’s oil and gas industry.
“BP’s commitment to Aberdeen harbour underpins our current strength and the importance the port plays in the north-east economy.”
Aberdeen harbour handles more than 28million tonnes of shipping and over 5million tonnes of cargo a year. Its bosses are considering expansion into nearby Nigg Bay in a development potentially worth hundreds of millions of pounds.
After announcing the potential expansion at the end of last year, AHB said it would carry out further analysis on the proposals and on continued development of the existing site.
Oil and gas explorer Atlantic Petroleum said yesterday it had bought a 25% stake in two North Sea fields. The Faroe-based company said it had taken on the interests in Orlando and Kells from Iona Energy, which previously owned both outright.
Atlantic said it expected Orlando to be tied back to the Ninian Central platform and start production in the second half of next year. Kells has not yet been sanctioned, but first oil is expected in 2015.