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Peterhead’s new deepwater
quay opens on time and on budget
11 October 2010
Peterhead Port Authority’s new all-weather deepwater
Smith
Quay has opened for business - on time and within
budget.
The £33.5 million project - which can accommodate vessels up to 180 metres in length, has 16,000 square metres of work area - will create up to 60
full-time jobs and contribute an estimated £12 million a year to
the local economy.
Work on Smith Embankment began 18 months ago after Peterhead
Port Authority secured £5 million from the Scottish government
and European Fisheries Fund and has involved extensive land
reclamation and dredging to achieve a water depth of 10 metres.
The first vessel to use
Smith Embankment, North Star Shipping’s offshore
supply vessel Grampian Talisman, berthed on 8
October 2010.
The Port Authority is confident that the new
facility will not only meet the demands of the
pelagic fleet and reinforce Peterhead’s position as
the UK’s premier fishing port but also attract new
business from the offshore and renewable energy
sectors.
Smith Embankment’s 10-metre depth and impressive
heavy-lift capabilities are also expected to attract
business from the growing oil and gas
decommissioning sector. Lifts of up to 500 tonnes
are possible from the quay’s heavy lift pad, while
modules of up to 2,500 tonnes can be skidded ashore.
A high-capacity electrical connection point allows
vessels to connect to a 350Kva supply and turn off
their main engines, so saving on fuel costs and
reducing emissions.
Peterhead Port Authority is confident this latest
expansion will lead to a 20 per cent increase in
turnover by the end of 2012. The authority recorded
a £7.2 million turnover for its last financial year
ending 31 December 2009. |
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Above:
North Star Shipping's Grampian Talisman offshore
supply ship was the first vessel to berth at the new
Smith Embankment quay in October 2010 |
Authority Chief Executive John Wallace said:
“The completion of Smith Embankment is an exciting development
for the port of Peterhead and allows us to further strengthen
our ties with existing clients while also targeting new markets.
“I congratulate my team and board, the contractors
- Westminster Dredging and RJ McLeod - and
engineers Fraenkel for their dedication and workmanship in
delivering this legacy development for Peterhead.
“Smith Embankment represents a state-of-the-art facility for the
pelagic fishing industry and commercial interests. The
deepwater, all-weather berths with supporting infrastructure
elevates Peterhead to a prime position to capitalise on the
opportunities that lie ahead.”
Peterhead Port Authority Convener Bill Mackie said: “We’re
delighted to see this fantastic facility completed on time and
within budget. The opening of the Smith Embankment berth is a
hugely positive step for Peterhead and the local community.”
Above: The Seatrade Nova Bretagne bulk carrier berthed at
Smith Embankment quay
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