Client: Port of Aberdeen
Programme: January 2017 to September 2023
Procurement: Compliant with Utilities Regulations 2015/NEC3 Option A with Contractor Design/NEC4 Option A/NEC4 Option B/NEC4 Short Form/BIMCO Time Charter
Role: Project Management & Consultancy Services
Value: £420 million
Location: Aberdeen, North East Scotland
Introduction
In the bustling energy hub of Aberdeen, where maritime activities play a pivotal role in the region’s economic landscape, the Aberdeen Harbour Expansion Project (AHEP) emerged as a transformative solution to address operational constraints and accommodate the needs of larger vessels. Led by the expertise of Doig + Smith, this case study delves into the complexities, innovative solutions, and the indispensable role played by our team in steering this ambitious project from inception to completion.
Port of Aberdeen, formerly known as Aberdeen Harbour, was operating at full capacity and facing limitations in accommodating larger vessels, demanded a forward-thinking solution. In 2010, Feasibility Studies were initiated, culminating in the decision to develop a new facility at Nigg Bay, a strategic location south of the existing harbour. Unlike a mere replacement, this expansion aimed to accommodate vessels up to 300 meters in length and deeper drafts of up to 10.5 meters at the deepest berth.
Challenges Faced
Embarking on a project of this magnitude was not without its challenges. One of the primary hurdles was the need to upgrade and expand the existing infrastructure while minimising disruption to ongoing port operations. The team had to navigate a delicate balance between construction activities and the uninterrupted flow of maritime traffic, necessitating meticulous planning and execution.
Environmental Considerations
The development site, nestled in a largely undeveloped bay, presented unique environmental challenges. Factors such as a Site of Special Scientific Interest on the cliffs, the presence of dolphins outside the bay, rare plant species, and the location of the main sewage treatment plant with outfall pipes added complexity to the planning, design, and construction phases. Doig + Smith approached these challenges with a keen focus on environmental sustainability, ensuring that every step of the project adhered to the highest environmental standards.
Innovative Design and Construction Solutions
The scope of the project was extensive, envisioning a new harbour with approximately 1500 meters of quays and 124,000 square meters of laydown area. The construction involved the creation of two breakwaters, each exceeding 600 meters in length, utilising rubble mound cores with rock armour layers and precast armour units. Dredging, a significant aspect of the project, required the removal of approximately 2,700,000 cubic meters of material, including substantial quantities of hard rock. This demanding task was achieved using some of the world’s largest dredging equipment to rip through the rock.
The quays were strategically designed, incorporating a mix of open and closed structures to minimise downtime during operations. Open quays were constructed using precast structural decks on 1500-diameter piles, while closed quays utilised precast concrete caissons, constructed in Spain. The adoption of caisson units unexpectedly expanded the port’s heavy lift capacity, surpassing initial expectations.
Doig + Smith’s strategic project management played a crucial role in overcoming logistical challenges. Our proactive approach to risk management and continuous monitoring of project metrics ensured that the project stayed on track, even in the face of unforeseen obstacles.
Our Role and Scope
Doig + Smith’s involvement in AHEP commenced in 2012 and encompassed a wide range of responsibilities. As the provider of Project Management, Cost Consultancy, and Quantity Surveying services, our role extended from the initial feasibility studies through to the completion and handover of the new facilities.
Our responsibilities included project management, budget management, consultant appointments, contractor procurement, EU funding applications and management, risk workshops, stakeholder meetings, and overall cost management. Despite unforeseen challenges, including the departure of the initial contractor in 2020 and the substantial delays due to the impact of Covid-19, Doig + Smith procured the remaining works on a packaged basis and utilising a variety of contracts based on the NEC 4 Suite.
Successful Delivery and Project Impact
The culmination of years of planning and hard work resulted in the successful delivery of the harbour expansion project. The upgraded infrastructure not only increases the port’s capacity but also solidifies Aberdeen’s position as a key player in the global energy supply chain.
The impact of the project extends beyond the physical expansion of the harbour. It has stimulated economic growth, creating new opportunities for businesses and contributing to the region’s overall development. The successful collaboration between Doig + Smith and the other major stakeholders and partners stands as a testament to the power of teamwork in achieving complex engineering feats.
Conclusion
AHEP, supported by Doig + Smith, stands as a testament to effective project management, innovative engineering solutions, and a commitment to environmental sustainability. Overcoming challenges such as operational constraints, environmental sensitivities, and the unprecedented disruptions caused by the global pandemic, our team has successfully contributed to the realisation of a harbour expansion that not only meets but exceeds the region’s maritime needs. This case study underscores the resilience, adaptability, and expertise demonstrated by Doig + Smith in the face of complexity, ultimately leaving a lasting impact on Aberdeen’s maritime infrastructure and economic prosperity.