(WO) – Port of Aberdeen, a long-time hub for North Sea oil and gas, says the decline in oil and gas activity at the port has accelerated. The port is expanding into cargo, cruise, renewables and decommissioning, and it set out those priorities during a visit from UK Maritime Minister Keir Mather.
“Oil and gas remains our biggest market, but the decline in activity at the port has accelerated, so we’re doubling down on growth in cargo, cruise, renewables and decommissioning,” said Bob Sanguinetti, CEO of Port of Aberdeen. “With support from both governments and industry, we can create jobs, unlock opportunities for local businesses, and continue to lead on maritime decarbonization.”
The port handled almost 3 million tonnes of cargo in 2025, trading with 36 countries. During the visit, port officials made the case for a shared industry hub at South Harbour, where floating offshore wind turbines could be towed in for major component replacement. They also discussed how to make shore power affordable for vessel operators, which is key to the port’s goal of becoming the UK’s first net-zero port by 2040.
Mather said the government is investing £448 million to help the maritime industry cut shipping emissions. “It was great to see first-hand how the Port of Aberdeen is investing in the green infrastructure of the future,” he said.
The visit comes as UK North Sea activity faces mounting pressure, with the government’s new Energy Independence Bill set to end new drilling in the basin.
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