Aberdeen Harbour has hailed a burst of new activity thanks to the rising oil price.
More than 26,000 tonnes of pipe has been imported in the first half of the year, a 23% increase on what had been forecast for the port.
The pipe imports bring around £500,000 worth of business to the wider supply chain in the region, according to the harbour board.
Shipments have recently arrived from Vera Cruz in Mexico, and Houston, Texas, while pipe has also been imported from Canada, Japan, Malaysia and Norway so far in 2019.
The £350m expansion project at the South Harbour increases capacity for larger vessels, which bosses say could bring more shipments in the future.
Commercial director Matt North said: “We are pleased to see this increased importation of offshore pipe, as the oil price has continued to increase in recent months. Aberdeen Harbour has ensured the safe and successful shipment of pipe for decades, and our experience is strengthened by that of the local supply chain and our varied logistics partners.
“Aberdeen Harbour is a truly international port – with direct shipping connections with around 40 countries around the globe every year – and we look forward to continuing our work with global industry partners as more pipe is shipped around the world.”
Construction of the harbour expansion began in May 2017, with the project aimed at transforming the port’s ability to accommodate larger vessels, opening up potential new revenue streams for the whole of the north.
The development is estimated for completion next year.