Port of Aberdeen had a pretty good year in 2024, seeing an increase in both the number of vessels and passengers arriving in the Granite City. The port reported a turnover of £50.7 million, up by 10.5% from the previous year. This growth was attributed to the completion of the £420m South Harbour expansion in August 2023. Despite a drop in pre-tax profits, chief executive Bob Sanguinetti deemed it a successful year for the historic port.
The Port of Aberdeen continues to expand as a cruise ship destination, welcoming over a million gross tonnes of vessels for the first time and bringing more than 24,000 guests to the region. Vessel arrivals also increased by 2.6% to 7,128, solidifying the port’s position as the largest in Scotland by berthage. Sanguinetti acknowledged the challenges posed by global economic pressures but remained optimistic about the future, highlighting the importance of diversifying revenue streams and leveraging the new South Harbour facility for continued success.
Despite the positive growth, uncertainties in the market loom large, with changing dynamics in the oil and gas sector impacting the port’s revenue. Sanguinetti noted the challenges posed by the Energy Profits Levy and delays in offshore wind projects, emphasizing the need for policy and investment support to capitalize on emerging opportunities. As the port looks towards 2025 and beyond, the focus remains on adapting to a shifting landscape while maintaining support for existing customers and exploring new avenues for growth.
