The Port of Aberdeen (Scotland) announced that Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal (Princess Anne of Edinburgh, 1950-born as Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise) will preside over the official inauguration of the new Aberdeen South Harbour on Friday, September 22nd.
An exclusively crafted accropode will be unveiled during the event, which will host 200 distinguished guests on the quayside at South Harbour. This accropode serves as a commemoration of the official opening and is a symbolic representation of the extensive effort that went into creating the North and South breakwaters, safeguarding the harbor, with more than 9,000 accropodes produced as part of the project.
Esteemed attendees will include senior dignitaries from both the Scottish and UK Governments, representatives from the port's user and customer base, individuals from various industries, academia, members of the local community, and former colleagues of the Port of Aberdeen.
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal has made multiple visits to Port Aberdeen over the years, with her most recent visit occurring in 1997 as part of the farewell tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia around the UK.
Port Aberdeen is entering the final stages of quayside construction at South Harbour, with the new harbor set to become fully operational later this month.
Bob Sanguinetti (Port's CEO) said they were truly honored that The Princess Royal would officiate the opening of Aberdeen South Harbour – a historic moment for all of them. The Princess Royal's genuine interest in the maritime sector made the occasion even more special.
"Aberdeen is one of the busiest ports in the UK and the expanded port will be integral to supporting the nation’s drive to net zero, growth of green trade and maritime decarbonisation."
Roy Buchan (Chair of the Port) chimed in, saying they were absolutely delighted to have Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal joining them for the official launch of Aberdeen South Harbour. The event marked a momentous milestone in the port's nearly 900-year history.
"We look forward to demonstrating first-hand our ambitious vision and commitment to creating prosperity for future generations."