Record-breaking arrival drives Port of Aberdeen’s diversification
Port of Aberdeen today (26 July 2024) set a new benchmark for its capability and capacity as it welcomed the spectacular 290-metre long Costa Favolosa cruise ship, the largest vessel to visit the port in its 888-year history.
The Costa Cruises vessel, which has 13 decks and weighs 113,307 gross tonnes, arrived at South Harbour from Kirkwall for a day-long stopover before departing to Edinburgh. The 4,000 guests and crew received an authentic Scottish welcome from the Robert Gordon College Pipe Band, Alba Bagpipes, and VisitAberdeenshire’s ‘Welcome to Aberdeenshire’ volunteers.
“This is the latest demonstration of how we’re driving diversification in energy, trade and tourism with our expanded infrastructure.”
Bob Sanguinetti, CEO, Port of Aberdeen, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Costa Favolosa, its guests and crew to Aberdeen. This is the latest demonstration of how we’re driving diversification in energy, trade and tourism with our expanded infrastructure. Activity levels at South Harbour have exceeded expectations, as we compete for a new scale of opportunities with prospective and existing customers.
“As the UK’s oldest existing business, we know what it means to adapt and rise to the challenges of tomorrow. Together, in partnership with government and industry, we can drive sustainable economic growth and energy transition.”
Already well experienced in supporting renewables, the port is advancing plans to further enhance its offering, including a capital dredge project to deepen 750 metres of quayside to -14.5 metres chart datum. This will provide suitable depth for the majority of ScotWind and INTOG project turbine designs, positioning the port as a national strategic hub for offshore wind.
Port of Aberdeen is now one of the UK’s largest decommissioning facilities with subsea infrastructure from North Sea assets regularly moving through the port, while timber and woodchip exports increased from 7,000 tonnes in 2022 to 150,000 tonnes in 2023.
Costa Favolosa is the latest arrival in a record-breaking season of 60 cruise calls, up more than 150% from 2022, delivering a multi-million pound boost to the local economy.
“This is literally the biggest piece of evidence yet that the investment by Port of Aberdeen in the world class South Harbour facility and the work over the last few years by Team Aberdeen is seeing us established as a calling point of choice for UK and Northern European cruise operators.”
Chris Foy, CEO, VisitAberdeenshire, said: “The increase in calls for the 2024/25 season is further evidence of the region’s growing reputation as a quality destination for cruise operators.”
Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is literally the biggest piece of evidence yet that the investment by Port of Aberdeen in the world class South Harbour facility and the work over the last few years by Team Aberdeen is seeing us established as a calling point of choice for UK and Northern European cruise operators. We are already welcoming tens of thousands of new visitors to the region every year as a result and this will grow exponentially by the end of the decade.”
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader, Councillor Christian Allard, said: “The arrival of the Costa Favolosa underlines Aberdeen’s growing importance as a cruise ship destination. Our city is being transformed – and both tourists and local businesses are enjoying the benefits.”
