The ancient Port of Aberdeen received the largest ship in its nearly 900-year existence.
Following the arrival of the massive 290-meter-long Costa Favolosa cruise ship, port officials lauded “a new benchmark for capability and capacity”. The vessel, with 13 decks and 113,307 gross tons, arrived in Aberdeen’s South Harbour from Kirkwall for a day-long stopover before heading to Edinburgh.
The Robert Gordon College Pipe Band, Alba Bagpipes, and VisitAberdeenshire’s “Welcome to Aberdeenshire” volunteers greeted about 4,000 guests and crew in traditional Scottish style.
The Port of Aberdeen is now one of the UK’s largest decommissioning facilities, with subsea equipment from North Sea assets regularly passing through the Granite City port, while lumber and woodchip exports have surged from 7,000 tonnes in 2022 to 150,000 tonnes in 2023.
Costa Favolosa is the latest addition to a record-breaking season of 60 cruise calls, up more than 150 percent from 2022, bringing a multimillion-pound boost to Aberdeen and the surrounding area.
Bob Sanguinetti, CEO of the Port of Aberdeen, said: “This is the latest example of how our enhanced infrastructure is supporting diversification in energy, trade, and tourism. South Harbour’s activity levels have exceeded expectations, as we compete for new opportunities with prospective and existing customers. As the UK’s oldest existing firm, we understand what it means to adapt and meet tomorrow’s problems. Collaboration with government and industry can promote long-term economic growth and energy transition.
The port is developing plans to expand its offerings, including a dredging operation to deepen 750 metres of quayside. This will provide sufficient depth for the vast majority of large-scale offshore wind projects.
Chris Foy, CEO of VisitAberdeenshire, stated, “The increase in calls for the 2024/25 cruise season is further evidence of the region’s growing reputation as a quality destination for cruise operators.”
According to Russell Borthwick, CEO of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, the Port of Aberdeen’s investment in the world-class South Harbour facility, as well as Team Aberdeen’s efforts over the years, have established Aberdeen as a preferred destination for UK and northern European cruise operators. As a result, we are already greeting tens of thousands of new visitors to the region each year, which will increase dramatically by the end of the decade.
Aberdeen City Council co-leader Councillor Christian Allard commented, “The arrival of the Costa Favolosa highlights Aberdeen’s growing prominence as a cruise ship destination. “Our city is being transformed, and both tourists and local businesses are benefiting.”
Earlier this year, it was revealed that more than 235,000 passengers were anticipated to visit Edinburgh, Fife, and Dundee in 2024 as part of a record-breaking cruise ship season.
Forth Ports’ Capital Cruising firm has booked a record 161 cruise visits for 2024, visiting Scotland’s east coast ports. It represents additional significant expansion for the cruise business, which will welcome 149 vessels in 2023, with ships sailing straight into the Port of Leith, Rosyth, and Dundee’s cruise berths, as well as deep water anchorages in the River Forth for Newhaven and South Queensferry.
The cruise season in Scotland generally runs from April to October, bringing thousands of people to visit Scotland’s attractions, including its capital city. Edinburgh is regarded by the cruise industry as a “marquee” cruise destination, having renowned sights, events, heritage, and culture.
Meanwhile, Dundee is experiencing continued great development in the cruise liner market, with 16 visits scheduled for 2024. The city’s season began on April 27 with the arrival of the Seaborne Venture. The port welcomed 14 cruise ships in 2023, up from four in 2022. Capital Cruising, a division of Leith-based Forth Ports, oversees seven ports and anchorages.