The contractor behind the harbour expansion at Nigg Bay has confirmed drilling and blasting work has started on the £350million project.
Dragados said the work is underway in the “testing phase” and is expected to continue over the coming months.
Two blasting sessions will take place per day at maximum, of no longer than a few seconds in duration.
They will take place between 7am and 7pm Monday to Friday and between 9am and 4pm on Saturday, with no activity on Sunday.
Dragados said some of the work will be underwater activites where noise will be “dampened by a bubble curtain”.
The firm said it may take place outwith the specified times if the presence of animals delays the blasts and makes it unsafe.
The firm said the process involves a “comprehensive programme of environmental protection measures”.
A spokesman said the firm will keep residents informed via letter and website updates on the expansion project.
He added: “Land activities may be heard, along with the possibility of a small vibration, which may be noted in the closest areas to the development.
“Both noise and vibration monitoring have been installed at key locations to ensure that legal levels are maintained at all times.”
Construction work on the overall harbour expansion began last May. Nigg Bay is being redeveloped in what is widely seen as a step change in marine support capabilities in Scotland.
Plans for the harbour’s expansion were officially sanctioned in December 2016.
The project will see additional facilities built which will, by 2020, form Aberdeen South Harbour and transform the port’s ability to accommodate larger vessels, opening up potential new revenue streams for the whole of the north.