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NEW DEVELOPMENTSThe Port of Inverness recently announced its ninth consecutive year of growth whilst seeing the completion of the biggest expansion in its 300-year history. "The year to September 2008 was another great year for the port, with turnover of over 1.1 million, and net profits of over £500,000."
Imports of salt, grain, animal feed and general cargo were all up. There was a slight dip in fuel oils, timber and coal, but trade remains strong. Frozen fish was once again handled through the Port. An interesting cargo was the import of 14 fermentation tanks from
Total cargo tonnages for the year were up overall, with both imports and exports showing a modest but welcomed increase.
Morrison Construction began work on expanding our facilities in May 2007. The development included reclaiming around 10 hectares of land from the existing shoreline at the mouth of the River Ness, to provide additional operational space for the Harbour, which has been constrained in recent years, along with a new 150m berth and a 150 berth Marina. Morrisons completed their works as of June 2008, and the new laydown areas have now been block paved and surfaced by HQC. The new facility has been available for cargo use from October 2008, and is already in frequent use.
The additional storage space created amounts to 20,000 square metres, and the quayside incorporates a strengthened area for the siting of Heavy Lift craneage. Single lifts of up to 200 tonnes will be possible from this new facility.
Additions to the Ports existing Transit sheds have also been made. No.1 Shed which is used for Animal feedstuffs has been modified. The internal covered capacity has been increased by 50%, and a large canopy added on the east side to give semi-covered storage. No.3 shed which is used for Sterling Board, has also had a large canopy added to that already in place, to greatly increase the semi-covered capacity. The photo below shows one of the canopies during construction.
Inverness Harbour marked the start of a new chapter in its long history on the 1st June 2009 with the Official Opening of its North Longman development. Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said: “The harbour development is a real boost for Inverness and the Highlands, particularly in these challenging economic times and I’m delighted to be here to open it.
“The Scottish Government has invested £2.3 million of freight funding in this project to see freight transferred by sea which would otherwise have been transported by road to destinations across the UK. This will help ease congestion in the North East and reduce damage to the environment. "The Scottish Government has the most ambitious and comprehensive climate change legislation anywhere in the world and projects such as this will make an important contribution to achieving our world leading targets. "I would like to see more and more Scottish businesses think about their freight priorities. If they do, we will see great benefits for our environment and remove even more traffic from The Scottish Government is committed to tackling congestion by taking more freight off the roads. Cargoes expected through our new development will see the removal of 800,000 miles a year from Scotlands roads.
Inverness Harbour also continues to work with the environmental experts and regulatory bodies to safeguard the future of the Moray Firth dolphin population. We never forget that we are a guardian of the Inner Moray Firth and the conservation of our native wildlife remains one of our main priorities." |
