Blog post: PSS visit to North East Scotland

CEO Debbie Cavaldoro and Health, Safety, and Culture Lead Jen Maddison spent a week in Aberdeen and the surrounding areas, visiting members and attending the Offshore Europe trade show.

Port of Berwick

The first stop on the mammoth tour saw Debbie stop off on the way up the country to visit the Port of Berwick, on the River Tweed.

The harbour is PSS’s newest member and the first to join on the newly-agreed small harbours membership. The new subscription rate is due to be officially launched at the BPA conference next month and allows small ports and harbours with up to five full-time staff to take up an online-only membership at a reduced rate.

Berwick CEO David Calder – ably assisted by Skye the border terrier – showed Debbie around the port which handles around 35 cargo visits a year, dealing with cargo including fertiliser and grain.

The port also has a small number of regular fishing vessels, leisure boats, offshore wind support vessels, and an increasing number of cruise ship visits. A grant from the coastal communities fund allowed the port to improve its facility including the installation of a new jetty which has helped to secure the ports’ future.

Peterhead Port Authority

On day two, Debbie and Jen visited Peterhead Port Authority, the largest fishing port in Europe. HSE Manager Paul Finnie provided gave a full tour of the site, taking in the 3km of quayside with berths for vessels ranging from large pelagic fishing boats to small day boats, tenant facilities, the ship repair quay, and the fish market (the visit was just too late to bid on the day’s catch!). The port also boasts a small leisure marina, set apart from the main harbour.

During the visit, Paul explained the unique challenges of working with the many different organisations that use the port, and shared his ambitions—backed by the leadership team—to strengthen the culture at Peterhead. This journey is beginning with the introduction of new Golden Rules and a contract with a supplier to provide consistent, high-quality PPE for all employees.

Port of Aberdeen

In the afternoon, Debbie and Jen visited the Port of Aberdeen, where they were welcomed by Neil McIntosh, Head of Safety, Health, Quality and Environment (SHEQ). The visit began with a tour of the Marine Operations Centre and the chance to enjoy the superb views from VTS. Neil spoke about recent updates to policies and his plans for developing management systems and audits.

As Aberdeen is well known for its strong ties to the oil and gas industry, there were plenty of offshore support vessels on berth during the visit. The tour also included a look at the port’s recently constructed South Harbour, which features cruise berths and plays a key role in attracting new projects and investment to the city.

Fraserburgh Harbour Commissioners

On Wednesday Debbie and Jen visited Fraserburgh Harbour Commissioners and met with health and safety managers Jill Smith and Harbourmaster Shane Wood.

Similar to Peterhead, Fraserburgh has a mix of fishing and offshore support vessels.  It also boasts a dry dock with a six-vessel lift, meaning that a large amount of the port estate is concerned with ship repair.

Jill spoke about a recent unannounced HSE visit and the number of changes which had occurred as a result. These included new marked walkways and the need for the port to audit sub-contractors using the repair yard.

Offshore Europe Exhibition

In the evening Debbie and Jen joined member COMET at an event held as part of the Offshore Europe exhibition and conference taking place in Aberdeen. 

The pair visited the exhibition the following day catching up with members including the ports of Blyth, Fraserburgh, Peterhead.

As well as meeting current members, a number of introductions were made with potential members in the hope of bringing more safety experience from the offshore sector into ports.

Montrose Port Authority

On Friday, Jen visited Montrose Port Authority, where she was hosted by HSE Manager Kenny Gammie. The visit began with a presentation on the port, highlighting recent investments, community projects, and the strong relationships with tenants and project partners. Jen met Harbourmaster Ross Marshall and CEO Tom Hutchison.

The tour of the port offered plenty to see including the port’s shore power provision, operational quaysides, timber exports and the arrival of the offshore supply ship Skandi Lifter. Montrose is the largest chain and anchor handling port in the world, and Jen had the chance to view the yards where anchors and chains are stored as well as the ports other tenant facilities connected to the offshore wind sector.

The visit included a look at the Customs House and Granary—historic buildings which had previously stood derelict but have now been acquired by the port. These are being redeveloped to provide modern office space and a new skills academy, marking an exciting step in Montrose’s continued growth and regeneration, and continue the ports extensive work investing in the surrounding area and community.

Getting out and meeting members and highlighting the important work they do, is a vital part of PSS’s work. To organise a tour of your port, please get in touch.