Bob Sanguinetti DL, CEO of Port of Aberdeen, revealed last week that oil and gas activity is down 10% so far in 2025, and a staggering 25% in the summer months where activity offshore typically peaks with projects and maintenance.

Fewer vessels means less supplies and equipment heading offshore and less work for the region’s expert supply chain.

He stressed that ports are currently investing heavily in infrastructure for energy transition, particularly major offshore wind projects from the ScotWind licensing round. But that transition is stalling, and a dangerous gap is already opening up.

With the decline of oil and gas activity, offshore wind projects continue to drift. The impact of policy uncertainty, fiscal decisions, and consenting delays are already being felt across the economy.

He wrote: “Aberdeen is the operations and maintenance base for two wind farms, supports project activity for developments across Scottish waters, and handles around 700 offshore wind vessels every year. But that brings in just 1% of our revenue today, while oil and gas generates more than 60%.

“Ports must invest years in advance to have the right quayside, laydown areas, and heavy-lift infrastructure for major wind projects. I’ve been CEO for four years now and the ScotWind projects were announced shortly after I joined. While we continue to have positive discussions with developers, it’s fair to say that requirements and project timelines remain unclear.

“Should ports gamble hundreds of millions on ‘best guess’ infrastructure in the hope of winning work? Or wait until final investment decisions, by which time it may be too late?”

He said the firm was fortunate that its predecessors had the vision for Aberdeen South Harbour. Its £420 million investment will allow it to grow in new sectors such as cargo and cruise and it’s clear that renewables is the biggest economic opportunity in a generation. 

He added, however, that offshore wind at scale frustratingly remains a distant prospect for the region.

Mr Sanguinetti concluded: “Oil and gas jobs are disappearing at a rate of almost 1,000 a month, according to Offshore Energies UK, and new opportunities in renewables aren’t materialising quickly enough.

“Supporting existing energy business is the most likely way of accelerating the transition, drawing on the expertise and project management skills to deliver the vast scale of potential developments in renewables.

“Our ask is clear and urgent. Government must create a stable, supportive environment for our world-leading home-grown oil and gas sector and work with industry to accelerate the deployment of offshore wind.

“We risk being stranded between two energy eras, losing the people and skills needed to power energy transition, and the opportunity will sail past our shores.”