Aberdeen Harbour is a modern, advanced port with a rich history. Amongst several claims to fame, Aberdeen Harbour is listed in the Guiness Book of Business Records as one of Britain’s oldest businesses.
Aberdeen’s Harbour has played a fundamentally important role in the development and economy of Scotland’s North East. Historians estimate that this naturally sheltered estuary on the River Dee has been inhabited by humans for at lease 5000 years.
The harbour’s trading saw began to sharply increase at the beginning of the 18th century after following the Union of Parliaments between Scotland and England. This had the harbour operating at maximum capacity, leading officials to commission an expansion, building the North Pier to service growing demand.
The Harbour was a key strategic naval base during World War II and was heavily bombed by the German Luftwaffe. Following the end of the war, much redevelopment was undertook on the harbour.
Today, Aberdeen Harbour handles over four million tonnes of cargo each year, valued at over £1.5 billion and contributing £100m to the local economy.