Record pulp shipment at Aberdeen
HAPPY ROVER unloads 10,725 tonnes from USA



Aberdeen Harbour has set another port record this week with the arrival of the largest single shipment of wood pulp yet, adding to the significantly increased imports this year for mills in North-east Scotland and beyond.

The Happy Rover berthed at Clipper Quay with 10,725 tonnes of pulp from Wilmington, USA, for International Paper, Inverurie, beating the previous record of 9,550 tonnes.

With an established track record in handling pulp, this year Aberdeen has also attracted cargoes previously imported through other ports, with the total topping 86,000 tonnes between January and August, up 34% on the same period in 2006.

Rod Palmer, Operations Director for Searoute Port Services, agent for the shipments, said: “We have worked hard to attract the additional tonnage to Aberdeen, proving the benefits of cost savings and the efficiency of the package developed with the Harbour Board.”

Harbour Board Chief Executive Colin Parker, commented: “The increase in pulp cargoes this year reflects the competitiveness and quality of facilities and services provided by port users and the Harbour Board, with the rapid turnaround of vessels being an important factor.”

Eucalyptus wood pulp from Chile is now being redirected via transhipment at the port of Flushing, in The Netherlands, to Aberdeen for International Paper. Deliveries are expected to continue at two or three a month. Swedish pulp is also being imported for the Arjo Wiggins mill, Aberdeen.

The long established and significant tonnages of mixed hardwood pulps from the USA and elsewhere also continue to pass through the port.