As autumn takes hold and the nights really start to draw in, we’re reflecting on what’s been happening at a busy Fraserburgh Harbour these past few months…
Masterplan Technical Feasibility Completed
Finalised during the summer, the study by maritime engineering specialist, Arch Henderson, has provided the technical rationale for the new south harbour as well as the improvements to the existing Harbour.
The technical feasibility study marks a significant milestone in the Harbour’s Masterplan, which has been developed to secure the future of the trust port by providing the facilities which will support economic growth and employment in the town and wider region, whilst supporting climate change objectives.
Scottish Skipper Expo
Earlier in the year, we returned to the Scottish Skipper Expo, where we met plenty of familiar faces and made new contacts as we discussed not only our first class services to the fishing fleet, but also the Harbour’s latest development activities and our focus on the delivery of economic benefits to our fishing industry and the surrounding community.
Taking the Masterplan to Holyrood
Engagement with the Scottish and UK governments plays a critical role in the development of the Harbour Masterplan, and we are in close contact with our local MSPs and MPs on an on-going basis. Designed to help realise Scotland’s net zero future and safeguard our maritime heritage, it is no surprise that they are vocal supporters of our strategy.
We took things to the next level in late May, when we visited the Scottish Parliament to discuss the Fraserburgh Harbour Development Masterplan in a session which was sponsored by Karen Adam, MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast.
Together with the technical and environmental experts who are helping us make this Masterplan a reality, the Harbour team was delighted to welcome Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, MSPs and their political advisors, as well as a range of our stakeholders, including representatives from the offshore wind industry, Scottish Enterprise, Crown Estate Scotland, and local government.
Ice Factory Now Under Harbour Ownership
We are pleased to announce that the ice factory is now under Harbour ownership. Our control of the ice factory safeguards the provision of ice for all vessels that require it, as well as the local fish processing industry, who do call upon us for ice when demand is high. In addition, we can confirm that we are set to invest a six-figure sum by installing new flake ice making equipment at the plant to ensure an efficient service.
In other words, we are continuing to demonstrate our commitment to the protection and development of the fishing industry, which is critical to the town and wider region’s economy.
Harbour Guiding Principles Launched
Fraserburgh Harbour’s Vision is to act as a resilient trust port, making a major contribution to our community and region while delivering long term prosperity for everyone. Our Mission is to offer a sustainable trust port, always aligned to our customer needs.
In order to stay true to our Vision and Mission, our Guiding Principles inform our decisions and future plans. They focus on:
· Long Term Perspective
· People
· Health & Safety
· Environmental Responsibility
· Commercial Viability
· Ethics & Integrity
You can view our Guiding Principles here.
Welcome to Fraserburgh Harbour…
Over the past few months, we’ve had a number of visitors to the Harbour, focused on the variety of markets we service.
It was a real pleasure to welcome Richard Ballantyne, CEO of the British Ports Association who was as willing as always to share his wealth of knowledge with us. His time and advice were much appreciated.
We were also delighted to catch up with Elspeth Macdonald, CEO of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, to show our support for its Fish Pledge, which pledges to champion Scotland’s vital fishing communities and the sustainable, low-carbon food they provide. Fishing is in our DNA and it’s a heritage that we’re incredibly proud of and committed to maintaining and developing.
A hugely informative visit came from the Scottish Government’s Offshore Wind Directorate, the aim of which is to drive the benefits from the growth of offshore renewables for Scotland’s economy, citizens and environment as we transition to net zero.
This was a true exchange of knowledge as we discussed the Harbour Masterplan and all we hope to achieve, as well as our significant experience as an O&M port.
The Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, paid a visit to the Harbour earlier in the summer, and showed huge interest in all aspects of the Harbour – from fishing and vessel repair to offshore wind. Ms Hyslop’s questions around the Harbour Masterplan were both pertinent and challenging, and we enjoyed discussing the importance of the Harbour ecosystem and our plans to secure the future of the Harbour as an economic anchor in our coastal community.
In August, we were pleased to welcome Daniel Zeichner, Minister of State for Food Security & Rural Affairs, who joined us alongside the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation.
This was a great opportunity for us to showcase to Mr Zeichner the fishing boats in Harbour at the time, our fish market, ice factory, dry dock, ship lift and the outstanding vessel repair & maintenance supply chain which surrounds us. As Scotland’s fourth largest harbour and premier nephrops port, each of these elements plays a vital role when it comes to the importance of fishing in the town.
It was a real pleasure to welcome Liam Kerr, MSP North East Region, when he kindly brought us a copy of his motion to the Scottish Parliament, congratulating us on being named Port of the Year at the 2024 Fishing News Awards.
This motion was hugely appreciated; Liam is a valued supporter of ours who understands that Fraserburgh Harbour is a port with a big ambition, and that the award recognised our commitment to the future of the Harbour, town and region by maintaining and strengthening our provision to the fishing industry.
Decarbonising Harbour Operations
Back in June we introduced Corbie, our new trash skimmer, to the world!
Purchased following the receipt of funding from the Scottish Government’s Marine Directorate, the benefits of the new vessel are manifold. Whilst Corbie contributes to our ongoing strategy to decarbonise Harbour operations, it has also proved to be an instant hit with Harbour personnel as a highly effective and efficient means of keeping the marine environment free from surface debris.
Importantly, the introduction of Corbie (named after one of the Houses at the Academy) is also a great opportunity for us to teach local school children of all ages about the effects of marine litter – and we had great fun working with the Academy when it came to proposing the vessel’s name!
Appointment of Finance Manager/Treasurer
We are delighted to announce the appointment of our new Finance Manager/Treasurer, Lorna Petrie, who brings with her a diverse track record which is 100% relevant to all that we are achieving, and all that we aim to achieve.
Lorna’s financial expertise has been applied to the offshore oil and gas industry (including vessel turnaround, supplies and services), offshore wind and Fraserburgh’s fishing industry – all of which give her significant knowledge and understanding of our current and future customers.
With additional experience in industrial construction and charitable organisations, Lorna’s capabilities will prove invaluable – not only when it comes to the physical development of the Harbour, but also the positive impact the Masterplan will have on our local economic and community development.
