Harbour bosses in Aberdeen will find out later this month if their plans for expansion into nearby Nigg Bay have the backing of the Scottish Government.
Aberdeen Harbour Board has applied for the project to be included in the devolved government’s national planning framework (NPF) review, which sets out Scotland’s development priorities for the next 20-30 years.
As the port nears capacity, with rising demand from oil and gas vessels, the board is considering how to cope with larger ships in future.
Expansion into Nigg Bay – potentially worth hundreds of millions of pounds – is the preferred option, but an ongoing feasibility study is considering further development of the existing harbour site.
Port chief executive Colin Parker said yesterday the harbour board had been consulting interested parties since launching the study in September last year and feedback so far had been positive.
The harbour already contributes £500million a year to the local economy and helps to sustain 11,000 jobs.
Bosses want to invest more in the port to keep up with rivals elsewhere in the UK and Europe, as well as to continue attracting new energy-related business.
Mr Parker said: “Potential development opportunities will help safeguard the port and the city’s position within the energy industry, ensuring the harbour is equipped to accommodate the growth in activity anticipated in the years to come.
“There is substantial activity planned in the North Sea oil and gas industry over the coming years and there will be significant opportunities in the renewables sector.
“If we are to ensure the continued prosperity of Aberdeen in generations to come, a modern and vibrant harbour facility is essential. That is what we are working to deliver.”
The government will publish a main issues report after the Scottish Parliament reconvenes following its Easter recess on Monday, April 14. The document will set out a draft strategy for the NPF.