Following discussions between Aberdeen Harbour Board and Dragados UK, it has been confirmed that Dragados UK is withdrawing as principal contractor on the £350m Aberdeen South Harbour project
Construction on the Aberdeen South Harbour project began in 2017 and is already 70% complete.
Dragados UK blamed the Covid-19 crisis as the main catalyst for its withdrawal.
A spokesperson for Dragados UK, said: “Dragados UK is proud of the progress achieved with this project but the Covid-19 emergency and other factors have meant that our involvement in the project has ended earlier than originally anticipated.
“We wish the project every success as it progresses towards completion.”
Dragados UK’s role on the Aberdeen South Harbour site will cease with effect from 15 June, when Aberdeen Harbour Board will take full responsibility for the site.
The procurement process for the services required to complete the remaining packages that comprise 30% of the construction project has already commenced.
Phased opening
Michelle Handforth, chief executive of Aberdeen Harbour Board, commented: “This year’s summer season was of critical importance to the Aberdeen Harbour expansion project, as we endeavoured to complete a series of major construction milestones and continued to address the rock removal challenges first identified in October last year.
“The interruption to the schedule as a result of the Covid-19 emergency has had the effect of greatly compounding those existing challenges.
“It is too early at this stage to confirm what impact this will have on the construction timeline, especially given current Covid-19 restrictions, but the intention for a phased opening, when safe to do so, remains unaffected.”
In line with Scottish Government guidance, activities on the Aberdeen South Harbour site are currently restricted to essential site protection works, safety and security measures.
