aberdeen south harbour tour

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Aberdeen Harbour Tours

Aberdeen Harbour Tours offer all year round Harbour and Dolphin Cruises. We are a family run local business.

We operate boat trips around the busy port off Aberdeen viewing the large oil supply vessel out to the bay spotting dolphins. Great family day out. We also accommodate groups of 12 on private charters for special occasions.

The content of many of our web listings is provided by third party operators and not VisitScotland. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for (1) any error or misrepresentation contained in third party listings, and (2) the contents of any external links within web listings ((1) and (2) together hereinafter referred to as the "Content"). VisitScotland excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the Content. The Content is provided for your information only and is not endorsed by VisitScotland.

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Aberdeen Harbour Tours

Greenhowe marine services – sea-cab – aberdeen harbour tours services – aberdeen (uk)  email [email protected].

Greenhowe Marine Services – Aberdeen Harbour Tours & Dolphin Tour | Street-View-Of-Meeting-Point-for-Aberdeen-Harbour-Tours | Click For Google Map View

                   Aberdeen Harbour Tours. 

   we are now open  2024 for private charters.,                    new timetable  2024. .

ADULTS £ 40  CHILDREN  £20

Safe Meeting Point / Muster area is located at  Commercial Quay West at Aberdeen Harbour  Directly across from Union Square Car park .We DO NOT HAVE AN OFFICE AT Aberdeen Harbour only a Meeting Point  Call / Txt  07807 031018 on arrival, a crew member will meet you and guide you along the ( Passengers Safe Transit Route & Assist You Boarding the vessel at quayside. We require all passenger to arrive 15 minutes prior to our sailing times. Payment onboard is Cash payment only we do not have a card facility onboard the boat.

          Group Bookings of 12 passengers  £ 320.00 per hour. 

      to book call us today on   mobile  text 07807031018 .,              aberdeen harbour tours –  ,                   timetable   for  2024,     we do run private charters for groups of max 12 passengers  any time.

BOOKING IS BY CALL OR TXT     CASH PAYMENT ON THE DAY

                                 £ 320 PER HOUR  Call to Book Mob 07807031018

                     (CRUISES ARE WEATHER DEPENDENT ON THE DAY)

15th April – 06th July

Adults £40 Kids £20

Saturday & Sunday

1100    Dolphin Cruise 1Hr

1230    Dolphin Cruise 1Hr

1400    Dolphin Cruise  1hr

——————————————————————————————————————–

From 06th July – 18th Aug  We will be running Daily

Monday to Sunday

0900 Aberdeen Windfarm  (Limited Days)

1100  Aberdeen Harbour / Dolphin Cruise 1Hr

1230  Aberdeen Harbour / Dolphin Cruise 1 hr

1400  Aberdeen Harbour/Dolphin Cruise 1 Hr

19th Aug – 30th Sep

Saturday and Sundays

11.00  Harbour and Dolphin Cruise. 1 Hr

12.30  Harbour and Dolphin Cruise. 1 Hr

Private Charters are Welcome Daily £ 320

Booking is Required in Advance Due to  High demand on all the trips .

We Do not Have an Office at Aberdeen Harbour only a meeting point for all trips.

We  are running a 1.5 hr cruise out to Aberdeen Windfarm getting you close up to the Worlds most powerful Wind Turbines in Aberdeen Bay .Also along the the way the famous Dolphins at Aberdeen if there in the area feeding and close to the anchored Oil Supply vessel anchored in the Bay. Weather Dependent this trip Duration can be 1-1.5 hrs. This trip runs once a Month Dates posted on facebook.

                          Adults                          £   60 Windfarm cruise

                        Children                        £   35 Windfarm Cruise

Group Booking Max 12 Passengers £ 800 Windfarm Cruise

HARBOUR/DOLPHIN CRUISES

WE DO RUN PRIVATE CHARTERS FOR GROUPS OF MAX 12 PASSENGERS  ANY TIME £ 280 PER HOUR  Call to Book Mob 07807031018

(All Trips Subject to  Weather Conditions on the day).

All Harbour and Dolphin  Cruises are 1 Hour duration ,Windfarm Cruises can be upto  1.5 Hours .  A Talk from the crew onboard  about the History and operation today at the port. Getting you close up to the large Oil Supply vessels working from the Port Of Aberdeen. Then we sail off out into Aberdeen Bay spotting Dolphins Playing and feeding and various wild life feeding. Wild Life spotted on the tours are Mainly Bottle nose Dolphins,Eider Duck,Seals,Porpoises,and the occasional Minky whales and Orca whales .

ABERDEEN OFFSHORE WINDFARM

Corporate Group Booking to Aberdeen Offshore Windfarm 5 miles to the North off Aberdeen.

Costs for this trip £ 800.00 12 passengers  ( 1 Hour Duration )

KINCARDINE OFFSHORE WINDFARM

Corporate Group Booking to Kincardine Offshore Wind Farm 16 Miles SE of Aberdeen  can be pre Booked Costs for this trip ( Price on Application ) Max 12 Passengers   ( 2 HOURS 20 MINS Duration )

RISK ASSESSED – PASSENGER SAFE TRANSIT ROUTE DIAGRAM – PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE

Passengers safe transit route diagram

  ABERDEEN HARBOUR TOURS – SKIPPER AND CREW

Ricky greenhowe – mariner – fisherman – multi-vessel skipper.

  Greenhowe Marine Services supply a commercially qualified skipper to Yacht master standard with all current certificates including first aid, sea survival, safety awareness, vessel stability and VHF.

ABERDEEN HARBOUR TOURS – HEALTH & SAFETY

  we take passenger & crew health & safety very seriously. your safety always comes first.

Our crew are fully qualified, experienced mariners each and every crew member holds all required certifications in.. First Aid & Sea Survival Training in the dedicated roles & POSSITIONS  they serve and maintain on board each of our  vessels.

SEA CAB - SEA TAXI Fully licensed to legally carry or ferry ( 12 passengers – per voyage ) plus crew compliment. This vessel has been purpose built for crew transfers and passenger transport and has been in full service reliably since 2013.

We depart from Aberdeen Harbour . Providing voyages to and from the following destinations.

Aberdeen , Montrose  , Peterhead , Fraserburgh and Macduff.

Our purpose built Catamaran average cruising speed is 14 to 16 Knots with a top speed of 20 Knots.

Our vessel is equipped with 2 bunks for overnight stays for crew and hot and cold water. fitted with toilet and washing facilities including a hot water shower provision.

Fully equipped with toilet and shower facility on board and also accommodate crew members comfortably for overnight stays when required.

The SEA-CAB is 12 meter Catamaran powered by 2 Iveco engines delivering 450HP each , Providing over  900Hp of power. The vessel has an 8.5 kva Generator on board SUPPLYING 240V to various locations. Our wheelhouse is home to a Olex  3D Chart system which provides a unique combination of navigation, plotting and sea-floor mapping and live depth control monitoring

Fully equipped for Tourist trips, Passenger Transfers, Offshore Fishing Trips & Guided Tours in and around Aberdeen Harbour & Aberdeen Bay –

CALL NOW  07807 03 10 18  – For Booking Information and Ticket sales.

Sea-cab   – aberdeen harbour tours operates from aberdeen harbour – book now, always here to help you relax & enjoy your visit to the granite city – aberdeen .

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Come aboard Clyde Cruises for some of the best tourist boat trips in Scotland. Take a trip with us and explore the famous River Clyde, discover Aberdeen harbour or cruise along the Caledonian Canal. Select a cruise below and start exploring!

• Pirate & Princess Family Cruise View cruise
• Fish & Ships from Greenock View cruise
• Prosecco Afternoon Tea on the Clyde Clipper View cruise
• Fish and ships View cruise
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• Aberdeen harbour cruise View cruise

An exciting 45 minute cruise around Aberdeen Harbour, featuring close up views of the many oil industry vessels in port, with full commentary.

Tour information

How to book.

Aberdeen boasts one of the busiest and most impressive ports in the UK, with over 28,000 shipping movements taking place annually. This fully narrated tour takes you out and about amongst the lively harbour. Get close up views of the numerous oil industry support vessels berthed in the harbour and docks. View Aberdeen’s skyline from a different perspective and enjoy being out on the water. Please note that our waiting room is only manned approximately 10 minutes prior to sailing. A member of our crew will administer tickets and walk all passengers down to the departure point. * EARLY SEASON OFFERS* Throughout April, May and June we are running these fantastic promotional offers: OVER 65's - Take advantage of our discounted sailings for over 65's. Simply book online and get an amazing 50% discount. Must book more than 1 ticket for the discount to be applicable. Please select "Over 65's ticket". Applicable on Sundays only. Please show proof of age. Does not apply to Fish & Ships cruise. KIDS GO FREE - 1 child goes free with every paying adult!!! For additional children please select the normal child ticket price. Children are aged 3-16. All under 3's go free.

Cruise highlights

• Enjoy getting close up to fleet of offshore support vessels in Aberdeen's busy harbour
• A ‘must do’ and ‘must see’ for visitors to the city
• Perfect for children ask for our “Little Pirates” activity sheet
• Adult: £ 16
• Child: £ 8
• Family: £ 44

Departure dates

JULY & AUGUST

Tues, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun

Tues, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat

Dolphin Adventure Cruise: 1100, 1300, 1400, 1600

Harbour Cruise: 1545

Fish & Ships:1800

Dolphin Adventure Cruise: 1100, 1400

Harbour Cruise: 1245

We depart from Commercial Quay at the Eurolink Pontoon AB11 5NP near to the old Fish Market.

There are no car parking facilities at the harbour/ ticket office.

Parking is available at Commerical Quay Surface Car Park AB11 5PH

Passengers could also make use of the parking facilities at Union Square AB11 5RD , and cross Market Street then follow signs to booking office, a large pale blue portacabin marked CLYDE CRUISES, at the Fish Market.

Alternatively there is parking available at Shiprow NCP on Virginia St. AB11 5BY

Note that all passengers must assemble at the Booking Office at least 15 minutes prior to the departure time.

Conditions:

All tickets issued subject to Conditions of Carriage. All sailings are subject to weather and circumstances permitting. Schedule and route may be altered due to harbour movements.

Eurolink Pontoon – Click here for map

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Aberdeen Harbour Tours

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ABERDEEN HARBOUR TOURS - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Aberdeen South Harbour public open day

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Hong kong tourism board, aberdeen harbour: travel ‘back in time’ on water tour of fishing village.

Written by South China Morning Post (Morning Studio)

Old photographs of the ‘floating villages’ in Aberdeen Harbour, located between Hong Kong Island’s southern coast and the outlying islet of Ap Lei Chau — showing thousands of fishing families living on traditional Chinese junk houseboats in the mid-1900s — are among the city’s most iconic and enduring images. Some tour companies offer a one-hour boat tour — or 90 minutes with lunch — that recounts historical moments during the area’s development into a bustling urban town. It is a time-efficient way to take in local landmarks along the waterfront while enjoying the spectacular vistas looking out to sea.

Ap Lei Chau Hung Shing Temple

Ap Lei Chau waterfront is home to Hung Shing Temple — built in 1773 — to worship Hung Shing, the ‘God of the South Sea’, to help protect fishermen. The official monument — one of Hong Kong’s oldest and best-preserved temples — is also the start and end point of the sampan tour. It’s one of the few Hung Shing temples largely unaffected by reclamation and has kept its original serene, feng shui setting — facing the sea. Inside you can see an original bell, cast in the year it was built, and prized Qing dynasty (1644–1911) Shiwan pottery. People always visit the temple to make offerings during the Hung Shing Festival, on the 13 th day of the second lunar month. A stone’s throw away from the temple is the Ap Lei Chau Market Cooked Food Centre inside the Ap Lei Chau Municipal Services Building, where you can sample some of the local delicacies.

Aberdeen Promenade

The tree-lined Aberdeen Promenade — a walkway running beside Aberdeen Harbour — is a popular spot where visitors can relax and take selfies with the boats. But it offers more than stunning waterfront views: early risers can rub shoulders with elderly locals looking for bargains as moored boats sell freshly caught fish.

Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market

If you buy live seafood in Hong Kong, there is a good chance it has been sourced from Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market. Built in 1950, it’s the oldest and largest fish wholesale market in Hong Kong, which drew fishers from Cheung Chau, southern islands and even Macao to Aberdeen, supplying more than 70 per cent of the local live seafood. Looking at the cream-coloured structure with a green-tiled roof from afar, you can peer into various large fishing boats that line the market pier. The fishermen’s canteen inside the market serves freshly caught offerings from 4am daily. There is also a souvenir shop offering fish-related products and gifts.

Ap Lei Chau Wind Tower Park

As your sampan cruises to Ap Lei Chau across the harbour, you can see Ap Lei Chau Wind Tower Park ahead of you. Visitors can climb the 10-metre-high lookout tower, designed in the shape of a fishing boat, to enjoy the scenery. Solar panels power rows of LED lights, which change colour according to the wind speed detected by a sensor: all green when calm, increasingly orange as it grows breezy, and all red during gales or hurricanes. The park also features an exhibition gallery on Hong Kong's traditional fishing customs and the fishermen’s way of life.

First opened in 1977, this iconic theme park — built on undulating hills along Hong Kong Island’s southern shore — features thrill rides and attractions that aim to educate the public about the natural world and conservation. When viewed from the sampan, you can see the Whirly Bird — a floorless flying vintage airplane ride — the 72-metre-tall Ocean Park Tower with a rotating observation deck, as well as a swing that spins 22 metres upside down in the air, called the Flash.

Ap Lei Chau Shipyards

The sampan trip also offers visitors a rare glimpse into Ap Lei Chau’s shipyards — normally hidden from view on land behind trees and hills — which maintain and service yachts and other boats moored at Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter, near Sham Wan. You can see various boats and yachts being hoisted out of the water at the shipyards, built mostly of huge steel frames covered with corrugated iron, and a few workers sanding wood on the shore, exchanging curious glances with sightseers on the sampan ride.

Aberdeen Houseboat

The tour’s last stop is Aberdeen Houseboat, a small heritage museum anchored in the harbour, which explains how Hong Kong families lived on these traditional houseboats. The museum — modelled on an authentic houseboat — features numerous artefacts, videos and photographs showing the history of Aberdeen’s boat community. Those who have signed up for a lunch sampan tour will enjoy a bowl of boat noodles, traditionally prepared by fishermen with ingredients such as fish balls, duck’s kidney, roasted meat, veggies and vermicelli in soup.

Getting to Ap Lei Chau

To get to the meeting point for the Aberdeen Fishing Village Tour (Aberdeen 1773), take the MTR South Island Line to Lei Tung Station. Exit from A1 and head harbourside via Wah Ting Street. Turn right at the promenade and walk until you see Hung Shing Temple on your right. The pier is on your left.

Leaving from Ap Lei Chau

After the tour, you will return to the same point, beside Hung Shing Temple on Ap Lei Chau.

Aberdeen Fishing Village Tour (Aberdeen 1773)

Embark on a boat ride in Ap Lei Chau and dive deeper into the harbour’s history on this one-hour tour. View 13 landmarks along the route, listen to the commentary from an audio guide, set foot on a houseboat and experience the daily life of Hong Kong’s fishermen. Local drinks, snacks and traditional boat noodles are available on lunch tours. The one-hour tour costs around HK$200 per person. Average time: 1–1.5 hours (boat tour) Seayou HK Tel no: +852 2368 7000 Website: https://www.seayou.hk/en/packages/aberdeen-tour Disclaimer: Details of the local tours are subject to the terms and conditions of the operators. The Hong Kong Tourism Board and the local operators reserve the right to amend, change or cancel any details concerning the tours at any time without prior notice. Customers can refer to the local operators if they have any enquiries.

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Princess Royal to open Scotland's Aberdeen South Harbour

The Port of Aberdeen (Scotland) announced that Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal (Princess Anne of Edinburgh, 1950-born as Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise) will preside over the official inauguration of the new Aberdeen South Harbour on Friday, September 22nd.

An exclusively crafted accropode will be unveiled during the event, which will host 200 distinguished guests on the quayside at South Harbour. This accropode serves as a commemoration of the official opening and is a symbolic representation of the extensive effort that went into creating the North and South breakwaters, safeguarding the harbor, with more than 9,000 accropodes produced as part of the project.

Esteemed attendees will include senior dignitaries from both the Scottish and UK Governments, representatives from the port's user and customer base, individuals from various industries, academia, members of the local community, and former colleagues of the Port of Aberdeen.

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal has made multiple visits to Port Aberdeen over the years, with her most recent visit occurring in 1997 as part of the farewell tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia around the UK.

Port Aberdeen is entering the final stages of quayside construction at South Harbour, with the new harbor set to become fully operational later this month.

Bob Sanguinetti (Port's CEO) said they were truly honored that The Princess Royal would officiate the opening of Aberdeen South Harbour – a historic moment for all of them. The Princess Royal's genuine interest in the maritime sector made the occasion even more special.

"Aberdeen is one of the busiest ports in the UK and the expanded port will be integral to supporting the nation’s drive to net zero, growth of green trade and maritime decarbonisation." 

Roy Buchan (Chair of the Port) chimed in, saying they were absolutely delighted to have Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal joining them for the official launch of Aberdeen South Harbour. The event marked a momentous milestone in the port's nearly 900-year history.

"We look forward to demonstrating first-hand our ambitious vision and commitment to creating prosperity for future generations." 

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal officially opened Port of Aberdeen’s £420 million expansion project on 22 September 2023.

Independent analysis forecast that when the expanded Port of Aberdeen reaches its full potential the port’s Gross Value Added contribution will jump 60% to £2.4 billion and increase the number of jobs supported by 45% to an incredible 17,500.

As the largest new marine infrastructure project in the UK, Port of Aberdeen’s South Harbour will have a huge positive impact on the North East of Scotland.

Constructing the largest marine infrastructure project in Trust Port history shows this country’s ability to attract inward investment, delivering jobs, economic growth and prosperity to the local community while helping us achieve our climate goals.

At the peak of construction, there were 300 people working onsite and more than 30 companies from across the North East of Scotland were involved in the construction of Aberdeen South Harbour.

These local organisations played a major role in the successful completion and benefitted from contact awards of £44 million since 2020, with a further £16 million of work delivered by companies across the rest of Scotland.

The new harbour has generated more than £3 million of revenue during its phased opening and is attracting vessels and projects that would have previously sailed past the city, often destined for a European port.

This increased activity in energy, trade and tourism supports local jobs, attracts local supply chain spend and investment, and the profits generated are reinvested back into the port to improve the facilities for future generations.

With Aberdeen South Harbour complete, Port of Aberdeen is the largest berthage port in Scotland. The new facility, next to the Energy Transition Zone, can accommodate vessels up to 300m in length, with port users and customer benefiting from an additional 1.5km of deepwater berths, to a maximum depth of 15m, 125,000sqm of flexible project areas and significant heavy lift capacity.

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Princess Anne to officially open new Aberdeen South Harbour later this year

The Princess Royal will return for an official engagement at the Port of Aberdeen for the first time since 1997 with the event marking a "significant milestone" in the port's history.

• 13:07, 3 AUG 2023

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The Princess Royal will officially open Aberdeen's new-look South Harbour later this year.

The Port of Aberdeen has confirmed that Princess Anne will join other esteemed guests at the Granite City quayside to mark the opening of the multi-million pound development.

Senior representatives from the Scottish and UK Governments will also be in attendance including port users, customers and other prominent people in the north-east.

READ MORE: Aberdeen dog owner shares life-saving tip after pooch bitten by adder snake

The visit will be the first official engagement for the Princess Royal at the Port of Aberdeen since 1997 as part of the Royal Yacht Britannia's farewell tour across the UK.

It is expected that the South Harbour will become fully operational later this month with Princess Anne due to attend the opening on Friday, September 22.

Bob Sanguinetti, chief executive at Port of Aberdeen, said: “Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal takes a keen interest in the maritime sector, and Port of Aberdeen is truly honoured that she will officially open Aberdeen South Harbour – a momentous occasion for all.

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“Aberdeen is one of the busiest ports in the UK and the expanded port will be integral to supporting the nation’s drive to net zero, growth of green trade and maritime decarbonisation.”

Port of Aberdeen chair, Roy Buchan, added: "We are delighted that Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal has chosen to join us for the official opening of Aberdeen South Harbour. This occasion marks a significant milestone in the port’s almost 900 year history.

“We look forward to demonstrating first-hand our ambitious vision and commitment to creating prosperity for future generations.”

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Festival of the Sea Aberdeen 2024

Monday 15 - Sunday 28 July 2024

Aberdeen City Council is delighted to host the first ‘Festival of the Sea’ – a two week celebration of the history, traditions, and relationship between the city and the sea.

From 15-28 July 2024, the festival will deliver a wide selection of events across the city.

Aberdeen is known as a city of the sea with deep-rooted connections to its maritime and marine past. Fresh seafood is still sourced daily from our two rivers and neighbouring fishing harbours along the 165 miles of surrounding coastline. 

By embracing the city’s rich maritime history, as well as highlighting further points of interest across the city, this will demonstrate the pride that the city has in its heritage, values and community. 

With miles of stunning coastline surrounding Aberdeen, visitors can explore stunning beaches and learn more about the region’s marine past in the Maritime Museum. 

Taste of the Sea

Many of the city’s bars and restaurants are offering a ‘Taste of the Sea’ – with special offers available during the festival.  Find out more here .

What's On Guide:

There are a number of events taking place across the city from 15-28 July as part of the 2024 Festival of the Sea.  The full programme of events will be available to download soon.

Stories of the Sea Family Fun Day at UTG - Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 July 2024

11am - 4.30pm daily, Union Terrace Gardens - FREE

Family activities, giant storytelling whale, street theatre performances and more!  Stay tuned for more information coming soon about this exciting and free weekend event.

Discover Aberdeen Maritime Tours

Every Saturday in July and August, 11am (45 mins)

Let our lovely front of house team take you on a tour of our museum highlights in a 45 minute discovery tour.

Available on:

Saturday 13th July

Saturday 20th July

Saturday 27th July

Saturday 3rd August 

Festival of the Sea Kids Sessions for Summer Holidays (Ages 0-11) - Aberdeen Arts Centre

Aberdeen Arts Centre – Creative Learning

Monday 15 July - Friday 19 July

Book in advance for each day or for the week:

Monday 15 July: Sea Shore Heroes

Tuesday 16 July: Boats and Sails

Wednesday 17 July: Selkies, Mermaids and Krakens

Thursday 18 July: Down in the Deep with Sea Creatures

Friday 19 July: Seaside Treats

Times and prices vary depending on age.  Please visit www.aberdeenartscentre.com/creative-learning/summer-sessions-2024 to book.

Wednesday 3 July

Lunchtime talk: tall ships races aberdeen 2025.

Wednesday 3rd July, 12:30pm (45 mins)

Aberdeen Art Gallery, FREE (pay as you feel)

Talk by Matthew Williams, Tall Ships 2025 Project Team

Hear about Europe's largest free family event that is returning to Aberdeen in July 2025 for the first time in almost 30 years. The impressive fleet of around 50 Tall Ships will draw thousands of people to the city for four days of nautical adventures, international friendship and cultural activities.

Come along and meet Matthew Williams, from the Tall Ships Aberdeen project team, who will share the city's ambitions for this world-class event, opportunities for sail trainees and volunteers, and plans for the creative programme which will celebrate this sailing extravaganza. 

Friday 5 July

Inspired gallery meets - festival of the seas with natalie easton.

Friday 5th July, 11am-12:30pm

Aberdeen Art Gallery Learning Space, FREE (drop-in)

These relaxed monthly meet-ups are perfect for trying your hand at something new, finding inspiration for your own projects and socialising with like-minded people. You can join in the planned activities or do your own thing - just come along and get creative! Materials are provided and an artist is on hand to offer guidance should you need it.

Be inspired by the natural shape of driftwood and use acrylics to create a fish or a whole shoal of acquatic creatures. Perhaps a lighthouse or mermaid will join the ocean crew? Session led by mixed media artist Natalie Easton. 

Saturday 6 July

Baby boogie beach party.

Saturday 6th July, 10:30am-12pm

Aberdeen Art Gallery, Cowdray Hall

£7 adult and child, £13 family (2 adults and up to 3 children), no charge for babes in arms

For under 5s and their adults

Get your sunglasses at the ready as we jet off on an exotic beach holiday! Jump and jive to a selection of popular music from DJ Nina and make the Cowdray Hall your own personal paradise. Dress to impress at this ultimate beach party! 

Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 July

Family fun: message in a bottle.

Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th July, 10:30am-12:30pm

Aberdeen Art Gallery, FREE (drop-in)

For children aged 4-12 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult

We invite you to set sail on a creative writing journey with Creative Facilitator Stephanie Walls. Create your very own message in a bottle - write a note of kindness to make someone's day, use our writing prompts to imagine yourself shipwrecked and sending out an SOS, or help build our GIANT message to the world! 

Saturday 13 July

Harbour film screening.

Song of the Sea (cert PG)

Torry St Fittick's Parish Church, 39 Walker Road, Aberdeen, AB11 8DL

Doors open at 2:30pm, film starts at 3pm, FREE

An Irish youth discovers that his mute sister is a selkie who must find her voice and free supernatural creatures from the spell of a Celtic goddess.

Launch! (cert U)

Doors open at 6:30pm, film starts at 7pm, FREE (all donations to the RNLI)

Launch! On the Sea with Scotland's Lifeboats dives into archive film and video of RNLI crews, with an immersive soundtrack from some of the UK's best contemporary musicians. Directed by award-winning curator Shona Thomson, the film is created from rarely seen footage of Scotland's lifeboat communities including a glimpse of Aberdeen.

Tuesday 16 July

Greyhope mornings: talking tall ships with john corall.

Greyhope Bay Centre, Torry Battery, Greyhope Road

10am-12pm. FREE (ticketed)

Embark on a captivating journey through maritime history with John Corall as he shares the allure and adventure of Tall Ships. Discover their origins, construction, and the daring tales of those who sailed them.

Family drop-in Arts, Crafts and Activities

Tullos Community Centre, Girdleness Road, Tullos, AB11 8FJ

10am-12pm, FREE (Drop-in)

Join artists Elaine and Mhairi for a relaxed art session where you'll have the chance to experiment with a range of different art materials (paints, pastels, clay etc). No experience necessary and no pressure to create a finished outcome. The main focus of the session will be on enjoying the company of others, having a chat and trying out different art materials and techniques. Family Learning are also on hand with a host of fun activities for children. Suitable for all ages, but children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. 

Wednesday 17 July

Fittie Community Hall, New Pier Road, Fittie, AB11 5DR

10:30am-12:30pm, FREE (drop-in)

Use domestic packaging, old magazines, pens and pencils to make our own dream shed inspired by the colourful, characterful shed of Fittie, or learn the beautiful Japanese art of origami to make a boat or a fish. Attach your boat or fish to a piece of driftwood to make a mini sculpture. Family Learning are also on hand with a host of fun activities for children. Suitable for all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult. 

Lunchtime Talk: The Warriors of the Sea

Wednesday 17th July, 12:30pm (45 mins)

Maritime Museum, FREE (pay as you feel)

Talk by Dr Andrew Yule, Marine Biologist from the University of Aberdeen

The dedicated fishermen of the Algarve risk their lives daily against the wild Atlantic Ocean in order to catch the best edible barnacles, which are amongst the most expensive seafoods in the world. Dr Yule shares insights into how his research project to produce a fisheries management plan for a species of barnacle led him to discover these remarkable fishermen, the true warriors of the sea. 

Harbour Voices Choir Summer Concert

Doors open at 7:15pm, event is on from 7:30-8pm.

£5 or pay what you feel

Join us in the Fittie Community Hall for the Habour Voices Community Choir Summer Concert, where we showcase what we have been working on this year! From traditional Scottish songs to sea shanties from around the globe, this sea-themed performance is not to be missed! 

Thursday 18 July

Guided coastal discover.

2-3:30pm and 4-5:30pm

Ticketed: £5 Adult, £3 Child

Join us as we explore the amazing beaches that surround the Greyhope Bay Centre. During this short, guided beach walk, we'll discover what has been washed up on the shore by the crashing Aberdeen waves. We'll also spend some time identifying your finds and learning more about the creatures that call our coast home. What will you find? 

Watercolours of Fittie and the Sea

Explore simple watercolour techniques with artist Emma Wilson, then go on to create your own work inspired by the Fittie Sheds or sea views. Loosen your artistic muscles and find inspiration and confidence through the art of watercolour painting. All materials will be provided. The session will begin with a short walk around Fittie (weather permitting!). You may wish to bring your own phone or camera to take pictures, or use the reference images on hand at the community hall. 

Friday 19 July

Torry battery tour.

Explore the coastal battery with the Greyhope Bay team as they share stories about its rich history and hertiage, while taking the time to do some dolphin spotting too! 

Tall Ship Reaper and TS Royalist

Duthies Quay, pedestrian access from York Place, Port of Aberdeen, AB11 5DF

Free – Donations Welcome

Climb aboard the historic tall ship Reaper, visiting from the Scottish Fishing Museum. One of the few vessels from the UKs National Historic Fleet which is still in seagoing condition, this magnificently restored 70ft Fifie Sailing Herring Drifter originally dates from 1902 and will be welcoming visitors throughout the day. The volunteer crew will be on hand to talk about the history and ongoing life of the ship.

The Sea Cadets flagship TS Royalist will be berthed nearby to view from the quayside. A fantastic sight to see this training brig is 85ft long and 69ft high. Built in 2014 and normally based in Gosport the TS Royalist takes up to twenty-four cadets to sea for six-day voyages. Sea Cadets will be quayside to talk to visitors about the ship and the great work of the organisation in Aberdeen and around the UK.

Also on the quayside will be the RNLI and for those feeling hungry the hugely popular Seafood Bothy.

This event is free to attend but all of the organisations involved would welcome donations, this helps with the cost of running Reaper, and funding the great work of the Sea Cadets and RNLI.

Please Note:

Due to the historic nature of the ship Reaper is not accessible to wheelchair users.

Children of all ages are welcome on board Reaper, but buggies and prams must be left on the quayside.

There are no toilets on the quayside but visitors will be directed to options within reasonable distance.

Songs and stories from the Seven Seas

Friday 19th July, 10:30am/1:30pm/2:45pm (45 mins)

Maritime Museum, FREE (drop-in)

Ahoy shipmates! Sail along to Aberdeen Maritime Museum and meet Captain Neil. Drop in throughout the day to enjoy songs and stories designed especially for our youngest visitors. 

Harbour Film Night

Girl's Can't Surf (cert 12)

Doors open at 6:30pm, film starts at 7pm

Ticketed: £10 full price, £5 concessions

A group of renegade women surfers challenges the male-dominated professional surfing world for the shared goal of equity and change. The screening will be followed by a discussion with the Wavy Wahines Aberdeen's Women's surf group. 

Saturday 20 July

Coastal photography meet-up.

9-11am, FREE

Whether you're just starting out or you are a seasoned pro, join our casual and friendly meet-up which is open to all. We aim to encourage more people to try photography, learn about the natural world, and build a community of photographers and nature enthusiasts. You don't need any fancy equipment - your phone camera is all you need to get started!

Fittie Arts, Crafts and Heritage Fair

10am-4pm, FREE (drop-in)

Discover unique handmade treasures created by local artisans. From driftwood boats to needlefelted creations and sea-themed jewellery as well as a RNLI fundraising stall. Learn more about Fittie and explore a walking tour of the village. Refreshments available.

Family activities, giant storytelling whale, street theatre performances and more!  Stay tuned for more information coming soon about this exciting and free weekend event

Family Swim

Aberdeen Sports Village 50m Pool - FREE, 1-3pm 

1 hour of free swimming in an open area of our fantastic 50m pool, perfect for families and young adults to enjoy the water, splash about and have some fun at a comfortable depth of 1.1m. To enhance the experience, each session offers a selection of floats and sea-themed toys for all to enjoy. 

Mindful Nature Journalling

Grehope Bay Centre, Torry Battery, Greyhope Road

Join Fiona Hall from Camban Studio at the Greyhope Bay Centre for this relaxing workshop, as we create space to slow down and explore how we can better understand the places around us through mindful journalling. 

Power of the Sea with Pushing out the Boat

Immerse yourself in a sea of talent at The Power of the Sea: Pushing Out the Boat's sea-themed reading showcase. Join us as singer Alastair Eddie sets the stage, followed by poetry and prose readings spanning a whole range of emotions from our magazine contributors. 

Saturday 20th July, 7:30-9:30pm

Aberdeen Art Gallery, Cowdray Hall - £14

Multi award-winning Ryan Young presents a new and exciting perspective on traditional Scottish music. His fiddle playing brims with fresh melodic ideas, an uplifting rhythmic drive and a great depth of dynamics and precision. Let his distinctive sound take you on an emotional and adventurious journey. 

Sunday 21 July

Aberdeen Sports Village 50m Pool - FREE, 10.30am - 12.30pm

Music Theory for Beginners

2-4:30pm, £5

This workshop is for all those who love playing music but have never had the opportunity to read music. Aimed at adults with a passion for singing and playing instruments, this beginner-friendly workshop will teach you the basics of music theory. It's never too late to learn!

Aesop Ensemble

2:30-3:30pm

The Aesop Ensemble, which reimagines storytelling through song, consists of Jessica Leary (soprano), Andrew McTaggart (baritone), Andrew Forbes (piano), and Andrew Huggan (cello). Enjoy an afternoon of carefully-curated programme ranging from intimate chamber music and western art song, through to lighter folk songs and songs from the musicals. 

Evening Coastal Discover for Adults

7-8:30pm, £5

Join us on this summer evening as we explore the amazing tock pools that surround the Greyhope Bay Centre. During this adults-only session, we'll discover some of the fascinating creatures that live there and spend some time identifying your finds. All equipment will be provided, all you need to bring is your child-like sense of wonder (and some sensible shoes!). Please note that while this activity is suitable for "big kids" (age 16+), we will be exploring some big boy rock pools and the route to these is often very rocky and uneven. 

Monday 22 July

Experts radio lab.

Monday 22nd July and Tuesday 23rd July, all day (drop-in)

Maritime Museum, FREE

For children aged 11 years and under

Experts Radio Lab is a live radio show where young people are interviewed as the experts. Whether you're barmy about boats, a master at Minecraft, or a fabulous fashionista, Experts Radio Lab drops anchor in Aberdeen this summer. The interactive, drop-in experience is hosted by performer Alice Mary Cooper and her brilliant team of hosts. Set within a fun, colourful 80s-style radio studio, the Lab invites young people to talk about what they know about and give their expert advice to others. The interviews are shared live to an audience of fellow interviewees, their families and curious onlookers in a specially designed listening area. 

Water Smart Award

Aberdeen Sports Village - FREE, 9am-1pm

For children aged 8-16 years. Includes a RLSS Certificate upon completion.

Everyone should have fun and be able to enjoy the water! This award provides essential skill-based learning to ensure safety and competence around water. The Water Smart Award focuses on five main areas - Water Safety, Awareness, Getting In and Out of the Water Safely, Staying Afloat, Safely Moving in the Water and Performing Rescues Safely. 

Seashore Sun Painting

11am-2pm, FREE (booking essential)

Discover the treasures hidden around our coastline and capture their intricate beauty while making your own cyanotype prints. Using sunlight and specially prepared paper, create your own stunning, one-of-a-kind artwork inspired by seashells, seaweed and other natural finds. Please note that this outdoor activity is sunshine dependent - please check the weather forecast and social media before heading out. 

Fittie Inspired Zero Waste Stitch Art

Enjoy a relaxed, zero-waste stitch art class, using found objects and colourful scraps to create a piece of decorative textile art for your home. Participants are guided through the process by Aubin of Aubin Jewellery and Laura of Fernweh UK, as we draw upon the historical village of Fittie for inspiration. 

Talk by David Henry FRGS FRSA: The Greyhounds of the Seas – The Clipper Ships, Innovation, Commerce and Adventure

Beach Ballroom, 7pm. 

The talk will tell the story of these most charismatic of sailing ships, and the pivotal role Aberdeen had in their world beating design and operation – FREE

Tuesday 23 July

Greyhope mornings: rachel's rockpool survival.

10am-12pm, FREE

Join Greyhope Bay's Engagement and Learning Officer, Rachel, for a family-friendly coffee morning. Rachel will give you a taster of her new outreach workshop where you'll learn all about how animals survive in rock pools in Scotland. You'll then get to design your own rock pool animal and test how well your creature survives in our rock pool survival game! Suitable for kids and big kids alike!

Family Fun: Under Water Worlds

10:30am-12:30pm - led by Elaine Grant

Suitable for children aged 4-12 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult

Drop in to the Maritime Museum and create your own vibrant underwater world with artists Elaine Grant and Mhairi McBeath. Explore the possibilities of paper and card, learning simple cutting and folding techniques, working with templates and creating your own colourful designs. 

Aberdeen Sports Village - FREE, 12.30pm - 4.30pm

Boat Form Workshop

Uncover Aberdeen's stunning coastline and use locally sourced willow to create a beautiful boat form with local basket maker Helen Jackson, the artist behind the shoal installation at Fish Shop Ballater.

Sea Shanty Singing Workshop

Greyhope Community Hub, Tullos Circle, Torry, AB11 8HD

6:30-8pm, FREE

Learn how to sing popular sea shanties and songs from across the globe. Led by Sarah, the leader of the Harbour Voices Choir, all adults are welcome to join this beginner-friendly workshop. If you like singing the Wellerman in the shower, then this workshop is for you. 

Wednesday 24 July

Seaweed printing on textiles.

10am-12pm, £15

Join textile designer Helen for a morning of textile printing using pressed seaweed and pigment inks. You'll be shown how to transfer mono-prints of seaweed collected from Aberdeen's harbourside communities on to fabric to create interesting designs. We will be using textile pigment inks which are permanent on fabric so please wear old clothes or bring an apron. Materials will be provided including fabric to print on to. Suitable for adults and children over 5 years old.

10:30am-12:30pm - led by Mhairi McBeath

Harbour Voices Singing Workshop with Christine Kydd

Sail the seven seas without leaving Aberdeen. Learn and sing a range of repertoire including traditional Scottish songs and sea shanties from across the globe with veteran folk singer Christine Kydd. Singing is good for the heart, mind and soul and the Harbour Voices Community Choir offers a warm welcome to singers of all ability levels. 

Thursday 25 July

10am-11:30am and 12pm-1:30pm

Join us as we explore the amazing beaches that surround the Greyhope Bay Centre. During this short, guided beach walk, we'll discover what has been washed up on the shore by the crashing Aberdeen waves. We'll also spend some time identifying your finds and learning more about the creatures that call our coast home. What will you find?

Family-friendly Art and Music Morning

10am-12:30pm, FREE (drop-in)

Let your creativity flow freely as we help you turn a piece of blank paper into your very own piece of music! Showcasing your artistic flair by drawing and designing a graphic score in this family-friendly, fun workshop. Together we will transform our creations into original music using our voices and a range of exciting instruments. Suitable for ages 7 years+. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. 

F amily Rockpooling Morning

Join Aberdeen Countryside Rangers Jack and Emma for a morning of exploring the rock pools of Aberdeen and the creatures that live within them. Family Learning will also be on hand with a host of fun activities for children of all ages. Please wear appropriate shoes and clothes for exploring the beach and rocks.

11:30am (1 hour) and 2:30pm (1 hour)

Aberdeen Art Gallery, Cowdray Hall, £7

For children aged 3 years+ and their families

Sprog Rock are the funkiest, glitziest, most sparkly band around, offering a gig experience especially for children. Whether you want to snuggle in our chillout zone, get funky with the family or let loose on the dancefloor, join in the fun and party Sprog Rock style! 

Aberdeen Sports Village - FREE, 12.30pm-4.30pm

Book Now 

Super Shallow Splash

2.15pm-3.15pm

Aberdeen Sports Village 25m Pool - FREE

For young children aged 5 years and under and their families.

1 hour of free swimming aimed at young families (under 5s). A great way to introduce young children to the joys of swimming and the fun that water can offer at a shallow depth of 30cm. This session helps to build children's confidence in the water by allowing them to splash around with toys and music, away from the regimented nature of swimming lessons. 

Writing Creatively about the Sea

6:30-9pm, £10

Dive deeper into your own creativity with Pushing out the Boat's writing workshop for new and established writers, hosted by Aberdeen writer Shane Strachan. Benefit from Shane's knowledge and experience writing about coasts and seas in both prose and poetry. 

Friday 26 July

Open studio.

Deemouth Artist Studios, Deemouth Buisness Centre, South Esplanade East, Torry, AB11 9PB

Deemouth Artists Studio presents their first ever Workshop Weekender. Explore a vibrant array of creative practices led by our talented residents. Sessions range from two-hour explorations to full-day intensives. Whether you're keen to try a new craft or hone your existing skills, there's something for everyone. Browse their diverse line up of workshops and book your spot today via the Deemouth Artist Studios website. 

Torry Heritage and Memories Exhibition

FREE (drop-in)

The history and heritage of Torry is intertwined with Aberdeen Harbour. Torry Heritage Group 2019 and the Torry Heritage and Memories Society have joined forces to create an exhibition celebrating the community's rich history. 

Family-Friendly Art and Music Morning

Let your creativity flow freely as we help you turn a piece of blank paper into your very own piece of music! Showcase your artistic flair by drawing and designing a graphic score in this family-friendly, fun workshop. Together we will transform our creations into original music using our voices and a range of exciting instruments. Suitable for ages 7 years+. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Underwater Robots

10:30am-12:30pm and 1:30-4:30pm

Aberdeen Art Gallery, Learning Space, FREE (drop-in)

For children aged 7 years+ and their families

Flex your scientific skills and learn how to operate a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) in a test tank. Take control of this underwater robot using simple switches and find out about the work of underwater scientists who use ROVs to explore and collect samples from deep sea locations. 

Harbour Film Night - It'll Never Work

Doors open 6:30pm, film starts at 7pm

Fisherman Hans Unkles wants a different way of doing things. With a band of fellow eco-aware fishermen, he will take apart his own boat and refit it with cutting-edge electronic tech. This documentary film follows Hans building, learning, making mistakes, chopping and welding a path to an easier way of fishing. With stories, opinions, support (and the occasional unhelpful comment) from old and young generations of fishermen, discover the pros and cons of an electric world pioneered by these men. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Hans Unkles. 

Saturday 27 July

Family sea themed storytelling.

10am,11am and 12pm, FREE (drop-in)

Scottish Storyteller Andy Cannon has been entertaining children and families for over 25 years. Join Andy in one of his special Festival of the Sea storytelling session as he weaves fantastical and magical tales of the sea. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. 

Fittie Environmental Fair

A Fittie Fair with an environmental focus. Stalls include upcycled furniture, Tropic Skincare, handcrafted home interior accessories and eco-friendly household products. Aberdeen Science Centre and Family Learning will both be providing fun family activities. 

Plop! In the Ocean

11:30am and 2:30pm (1 hour)

For children aged 4-7 years and their families

Poseidon, Greek god of the sea, is sent on an adventure across the oceans to find the treasure 'deep within', but he comes back with more than anyone bargained for! Could his discovery help save the planet? Plop! In the Ocean is a hilarious slapstick comedy about friendship, plastic pollution and looking after our planet. 

Aberdeen Sports Village 50m Pool - FREE, 1pm-3pm

An evening of Scottish Folk Music with Christine Kydd and the Harbour Voices Community Choir

Ticketed: £10 full price, £5 concession

Embark on a musical journey around Scotland's North East with award-winning Scottish singer Christine Kydd. Christine will be joined by members of the Harbour Voices Community Choir. 

Sunday 28 July

Aberdeen Sports Village 50m Pool - FREE, 10.30am-12.30pm

11am-12:30pm

Bob Knight at the Fittie Bar

Fittie Bar, 18 Wellington Street, AB11 5BT

7-8:30pm, FREE

End the festival on a high at the Fittie Bar with a free evening of Scottish folk songs from the North East with Bob Knight. Bob, a traditional Scottish singer and songwriter from Aberdeen, is a festival favourite. 

Thursday 1 August

Aberdeen science centre – free marine discovery day.

You’ll be able to dive into the fascinating world of marine biology and conservation with a hands-on workshop exploring our local marine environment with microscopes and science activities.  

But that’s not all! There will be interactive activities set-up across the science centre and at Aberdeen beach - experience touch pools with MacDuff Aquarium and head to the beach for beachcombing adventures and more.  

Visit Aberdeen Science Centre's Website to find out more.  

Marine Discovery Day is kindly sponsored by Scottish Fishermen’s Trust and Festival of the Sea.  

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Opinion: Aberdeen's potential to create a Peoples' Harbourfront

Tuesday 11 June 2024

If we are to rejuvenate our city centre, it's critical that we create places that people want to come to.

In just over a year, the Tall Ships races, the largest free family event in Europe, returns to Aberdeen after 28 years and is expected to draw 400,000 visitors and 50 Tall Ships from across the globe from 19 to 22 July 2025.

It has been some 30 years since Aberdeen saw the splendid spectacle of the tall ships first grace the waterfront of the harbour in four days in August 1991, and for those old enough to remember it was a magical moment where the city flowered in an outburst of sail, colour and celebration bringing some 300,000 people to the city.  The harbourfront was transformed into a vibrant place where people could promenade enjoying uninhibited access to the city’s waterfront. On the final day thousands of people descended on the waterfront, beachfront and vantages at Torry battery to bid farewell and bathe in the spectacle of the tall ships in full sail as they left the harbour.

Aberdeen is an incredibly beautiful city with world-renowned granite architecture, but it’s also one of the few cities lucky enough to have a harbour at its very heart, an asset that it is now time to re-assess if we are to do everything we can, to create a vibrant and successful city centre.

Aberdeen’s story is uniquely linked to its relationship to its rivers and the sea: through fishing, industry, and leisure. History tells us, what has been true of the past, will be true of the future, and as we look to the future staff and students at the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment, Robert Gordon Universoity are imagining a new future for our historic harbourfront, one inspired by the rejuvenated northern waterfronts in cities like Copenhagen, Malmo, Stavanger, and Hamburg.

The new £420 million south harbour at Nigg Bay officially opened in September 2023, with an increased capacity and opportunity to move some of the current ship berths to this new location. Inspired by the tall ships past and future, we imagine transforming an inaccessible place to full public access.  The project imagines that part of the northern edge of the north-most Upper dock and Victoria dock from the bottom of Market Street to the bottom of Marshall Street could be a place for people; for recreation, play and relaxation at the very heart of the city, and a new attraction for locals, visitors, and tourists alike.

Aberdeen is now an attractive location for larger vessels from a range of industries, including oil and gas, renewables, decommissioning, cargo and cruise.

A jack-up rig sporting legs more than 200 metres in height has today (11 February) become the largest ever vessel to visit Port of Aberdeen. 

The Noble Innovator offshore rig arrived at the new £400 million Aberdeen South Harbour for a 60 - 90 day period of maintenance by Noble Corporation. 

Once the maintenance is completed, it will go on contract with bp for decommissioning work in the central North Sea. 

The maintenance work scope will benefit Aberdeen’s economy and job creation through a multi-million pound investment in local contract awards, where selected vendors will support the maintenance work such as diving, welding, inspection, painting, scaffolding, accommodation, catering, logistics and many more. 

Operations at South Harbour are well underway with very high utilisation of berths and the operational quayside areas to date. Construction of South Harbour is scheduled to complete in Q2 2023, which will make Aberdeen the largest berthage port in Scotland. 

Roddy James, Chief Commercial Officer, Port of Aberdeen , said:

“It’s exciting to welcome new types and sizes of vessels to the port, be that from oil and gas, renewables, cargo, or cruise. South Harbour’s tidally unrestricted deepwater berths, extensive laydown space and heavy lift capacity, make Aberdeen an attractive option for larger vessels.”

“The expanded Port of Aberdeen, across North Harbour and South Harbour, now offers customers even greater flexibility for their projects, with a focus on reducing risk, adding value, and minimising cost.” 

Claus Bachmann, VP of Operations, Noble Corporation , said: “We are excited that the new South Harbour facilities have made it possible for one of our rigs to visit Aberdeen for the first time ever. The Noble Innovator is stopping by for a so-called special periodic survey which rigs must undergo every five years to ensure that we are able to operate safely, and which will involve multiple local suppliers in the extensive maintenance scope.” 

Doris Reiter, Senior Vice President, bp North Sea , said: “The business decisions bp is taking today continue to positively impact the economy of Aberdeen, as they have for nearly 60 years. Our contract with Noble supports the supply chain to seize opportunities on our doorstep and demonstrate its world-class decommissioning capabilities.” 

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