This Order empowers the Aberdeen Harbour Board (“the Board”) to construct and maintain works and other port facilities at Nigg Bay lying to the south of the existing harbour, as an extension to it. The works will consist of deepening areas of seabed, the construction of breakwaters, quays and a pier and the formation of areas for harbour operations with ancillary works. The Order also defines new harbour limits.

The Order confers updated powers on the Board as regards the making of byelaws and enables the issuing of general and special directions to vessels.

The mitigation measures set out in the schedule of the Order are primarily for (but not limited to) the protection of the following animals and environments: Atlantic salmon interest of the River Dee Special Area of Conservation (SAC), bottlenose dolphin of the Moray Firth SAC, eider duck of the Ythan estuary, Sands of Forvie and Meikle Loch Protection Area and the geological interests of the Nigg Bay Site of Special Scientific Interest. They are also directed at other natural heritage interests and mitigating other environmental effects as identified in the Environmental Statement.