Peterhead Port Authority Sees Strong 2010 Performance

12.5% Turnover Increase and Record Fish Landings

Latest figures announced by Peterhead Port Authority (PPA) reveal it recorded a 12.5% increase in turnover last year – assisted significantly by the performance of its fish market, which set a new UK record for landings for the fifth consecutive year.

PPA’s turnover for its last financial year, ending December 2010, hit £8.2million – its highest ever turnover figure – and an increase of £1million from the £7.2million recorded in 2009.

The authority’s Merchant Quay Fish Market played a major role in PPA’s financial success over the past twelve months, achieving record fish landings for the fifth year in a row – valued at around £150million in 2010.

Rising progressively from £104million in 2005, the landings figures continue to cement the harbor’s position as the top performing UK port for both demersal and pelagic fish.

This latest news caps an extremely positive year for the port, which in 2010 also completed a £33.5million project to construct a new, all weather, deepwater quay at Peterhead, the Smith Embankment.

Now fully operational, the quay, which incorporates a 200 metre long berth, breakwater, dredging and land reclamation works which is forecast to contribute an estimated £12million to the local economy each year.

Peterhead Harbour’s Merchant Quay Fish Market has also recently become the first fish market in Europe to achieve a prestigious industry accreditation.

It attained the BRC (British Retail Consortium) Global Standard for Storage which is regarded as the international benchmark for the handling of food produce, which identifies best practice in areas of quality, hygiene and product safety, ensuring compliance with food safety legislation.

John Wallace (pictured), Chief Executive of Peterhead Port Authority, commented: “Last year was an extremely positive one for Peterhead Port Authority, as it performed remarkably well, particularly – it must be acknowledged – during significant fiscal turmoil.

“Clearly the increase in port turnover from £7.2million to £8.2million is hugely welcomed and is due, in large part, to the record fish landings achieved by the Merchant Quay Fish Market. However, there has been a general increase in all areas of commercial traffic and activity which has helped the port achieve its highest ever turnover.

“2010 was a banner year for PPA, however, our Board and workforce will not rest on these accomplishments but rather look to build on this success to ensure a prosperous and safe future for the port and all its stakeholders.”

For further information on Peterhead Port Authority visit www.peterheadport.co.uk