Dredging at Aberdeen Harbour could alleviate NorthLink ferry problems

The days when NorthLink’s passenger ferries struggled to berth at Aberdeen because of strong winds and low tides have hopefully ended, thanks to a major dredging operation due to get under way.

The city’s harbour board has handed a £5.2 million contract to the Westminster Dredging Company to improve the port entrance, as well as widen and deepen the navigation channel.

It is hoped the work should help the reliability of NorthLink’s service during the winter months. Previously ferries have had to wait tantalisingly close to Aberdeen for hours at a time because stormy conditions have prevented them from reaching port.

The harbour authority says the project, which will also attract traffic from the energy sector, will be completed by early October.
SIC environment and transport committee chairman Allan Wishart said the development was good news, even if it was overdue.

“I do hope the money they are investing will make quite a significant improvement in access to Aberdeen Harbour during bad weather,” Mr Wishart said.