Aberdeen Harbour expansion work firm acts over delay risk

One of the firms involved in the expansion of Aberdeen Harbour has warned the project could face delays.

The £350m expansion at Nigg will allow cruise ships to berth alongside the dock, eliminating the need to ferry passengers ashore by small boat.

In an application to Aberdeen City Council, Leiths said an increase in operating hours was necessary so the project can proceed as scheduled.

Leiths operates the Blackhills quarry on the site.

The harbour expansion is due for completion next year.

Harbour developer Dragados has increased its order from the quarry, after subsea blasting and dredging efforts failed to provide the materials needed.

Leiths is asking for a change from the present 07:00 to 19:00 operating hours of the quarry to 05:00 to 23:00 to meet demand.

It has also commissioned a noise assessment to gauge the potential impact on the local community.

Keith Young, engineering director at Aberdeen Harbour Board, said: "Aberdeen Harbour Board is working closely with Dragados and Leiths to ensure the South Harbour construction project remains on its scheduled programme, in the lead up to the opening in summer 2020.

"The construction of South Harbour is the largest port infrastructure project currently underway in the UK, and all contractors and suppliers involved in the project are working to ensure the harbour opens on time."

The harbour board has described the project as a "major new chapter" in the port's history.