The boss of Aberdeen Harbour Board (AHB) said yesterday the port would press ahead with proposals to expand into Nigg Bay after the Scottish Government backed the project.
AHB wants to meet future demand and keep up with European rivals by growing into Nigg Bay, a project potentially worth hundreds of millions of pounds.
It has considered other options, including further redevelopment of its site, but is now focusing its efforts on the Nigg Bay proposal.
Chief executive Colin Parker welcomed the project’s inclusion in the government’s national planning framework, which sets out Scotland’s development priorities for 20-30 years.
He said being named in the document as a nationally significant development showed the government “recognises our belief that the long-term future and prosperity of the port is important to the country as a whole”, adding: “Nigg Bay offers the greatest scope for a new deepwater facility, enhancing the . . . harbour operations while also providing significant regeneration opportunities for surrounding communities.”
Mr Parker said AHB was still building a business case for the development but would speak to the government, councils and local communities about its plans. It is holding a stakeholder meeting in the Marcliffe Hotel, Aberdeen on Monday, May 20 at 6pm.