Aberdeen Harbour Board (AHB) has splashed out £60 million on the next phase of work on the South Harbour expansion project.
The board has awarded two new contracts to build a breakwater and a “wave wall” it says will protect the port from a once-in-100-year storm event.
Dutch maritime contractor Van Oord, which has been involved in the development since 2017, has been appointed principal contractor for the 1,800ft south breakwater.
Beattie FRC, based in Grangemouth, will build a further 32ft-high “crown wall”, using concrete produced at the on-site batching plant.
The wall is designed so that extremely high waves do not affect operations on the east quay (Dunnottar quay).
AHB project director Keith Young said the contracts made up a “significant part” of the remaining 30% of work yet to be completed on the harbour development.
The works mark further progress for the £360m expansion after lead contractor Dragados pulled out of the scheme last year.
Mr Young said: “The construction of the south breakwater and crown wall form a significant part of the final 30% of construction, and I look forward to seeing the structures take shape in the coming months. Van Oord and Beattie FRC bring a wealth of engineering skill and innovation to the project.”
A spokesman for AHB said the project was “still on track” for phased completion in 2022.
Paul Hesk, area manager for Van Oord, which was previously awarded contracts worth £20m for rock removal and wall support work, said the breakwater was a “critical element” of the harbour expansion and pledged to keep impacts on nearby wildlife low.
“Our experienced site team will deploy specialist equipment and methodologies to ensure the new breakwater is constructed safely, while at the same time minimising the impact of our work on the marine environment and rich wildlife of the surrounding area,” he said.
Beattie FRC director Vincent O’Donnell said: “The Aberdeen harbour expansion project is a significant project for Scotland, and we are proud to build the crown wall.
“We look forward to working on site this year.”