Blog post: PSS visit to Port of Aberdeen and Peterhead Port Authority

PSS Skills, Careers and Diversity Lead, Angela Ward, was delighted to visit the Port of Aberdeen and Peterhead Port Authority to meet members, hear directly about workforce challenges, and discuss how PSS can best support the sector’s evolving needs.

The first stop was the Port of Aberdeen, where Angela met with Amber Inglis, People and Culture Advisor, for a tour of the port. They discussed competency work and how Amber’s involvement in the Port Skills Group and working groups supports the port through the sharing of information and insights.

Angela was introduced to Amber’s team, including a team member who has recently progression onto a HR apprenticeship. She also met the new SHEQ manager, the marine department, and the VTS team. It was encouraging to hear from a VTS Assistant who had joined the team from an administrative role and explained how this career progression is actively encouraged while still maintaining a mix of entrants from sea.

From Aberdeen, Angela travelled to Peterhead to join the BPA Scottish Ports Group for an early morning visit to the fish market at Peterhead Port Authority. Even on a quieter day, with around 2,500 crates, about a quarter of the usual capacity, the market was still vibrant.

The BPA Scottish Ports Group meeting followed. Peterhead Port Authority’s CEO, Graeme Reid, presented at the meeting, sharing updates on several strategic developments. The standout was the port’s upcoming electronic auction system, designed to enable remote buying across the UK, Europe, and beyond. The e-auction is part of a broader £3.5 million investment in processing capacity and infrastructure – a forward-looking initiative that reflects how digital innovation is reshaping traditional port operations.

Angela presented an update on PSS’s skills work, encouraging Scottish Ports Group members to engage actively in PSS initiatives, including the Port Skills Group, to help shape training priorities for 2026 and beyond. She also highlighted the Maritime Occupations (port pathway) apprenticeship in Scotland and called for feedback on its demand, training provider availability, and funding, particularly given the funding disparity with the English equivalent. Member insight will be critical in shaping next steps. There was also a call to action to get involved in the working group to shape the Safety in Ports (SiP) guidance for fishing ports.

These visits are invaluable; they ground PSS’s national work in local realities and ensure the approach to training, labour supply, and future capability reflects the operational context of ports. PSS extends thanks to the Port of Aberdeen and Peterhead Port Authority for their warm welcome and open discussion. Members interested in hosting a PSS visit are encouraged to get in touch.