Port of Aberdeen has awarded Boskalis Westminster Ltd a three-year maintenance dredging contract covering annual campaigns from 2026 to 2028.
The agreement includes trailing suction hopper dredging and bed levelling operations at both North Harbour and South Harbour, ensuring that berths and navigation channels remain at required depths. This is essential to maintain safe access for vessels of up to 300 metres in length.
The 2026 campaign is set to begin this month, with Boskalis deploying its Freeway trailing suction hopper dredger alongside the MTS Valour bed levelling vessel. All activities will be carried out under licence from the Marine Directorate.
Port of Aberdeen’s in-house survey team plays a central role in the programme, conducting hydrographic and bathymetric surveys throughout the year to monitor sediment build-up. Data collected ahead of each campaign is used to calculate dredging volumes and define the contractor’s operational scope, while interim surveys guide progress during execution.
John Wilson, Head of Engineering at Port of Aberdeen, noted that storms earlier this year led to significant sediment deposits, increasing the importance of the 2026 works. He added that close cooperation with Boskalis is key to ensuring safe and efficient delivery.
Boskalis Westminster Ltd also welcomed the contract, highlighting its longstanding relationship with the port and its commitment to supporting ongoing maintenance operations.
