Funding for University's award-winning Harbour project
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Scientists at the University of Aberdeen have been awarded more than £157,000 to fund the continuation of a partnership with the city's Harbour Board which has already earned the port a top environmental award.
Five years ago the Board commissioned the University to collaborate on improving the environmental management of the port area.
Now the University has been given its second Government grant under the Department of Trade and Industry's Knowledge Transfer Partnership scheme which will fund new project work at the harbour over the next three years.
Almost £106,000 has been awarded to the University from the scheme which enables UK businesses to access the expertise and knowledge bases of institutions such as the University of Aberdeen. The Harbour Board is contributing over £51,000 towards the partnership.
Dr Graeme Paton, Senior Lecturer within the University of Aberdeen's School of Biological Sciences, said:
"There have been excellent collaborative links between ourselves and the Harbour Board for over five years. We are delighted to have secured this funding which will maintain the harbour as a global leader in environmental quality and allow the University to pass on its expertise from the laboratory to the quayside.
"The University has one of the strongest environmental science research groups in the UK and the fact we have been awarded this funding demonstrates this yet again.
"Our work with the Harbour Board has already seen significant progress made, as demonstrated by Aberdeen becoming the first in Scotland and the fourth in Europe to receive the ECOPORT's Port Environmental Review System certificate status, which aims to harmonise the environmental approach of European ports. It also recognises best practice."
Ken Reilly, Engineering Director at the Harbour Board, added: "Environmental management is extremely important to the Harbour Board in our commitment to operating a world class port and in meeting regulations and the expectations of port users.
"The close working relationship with the University and the successful implementation of a comprehensive environmental management system has seen Aberdeen earn an international reputation as a port industry leader in caring for the environment."
University of Aberdeen graduate, Patrick Jordan, Environmental Advisor to the Board, said: "The work we are involved in is wide-ranging. It is not just environmental monitoring, but also includes research projects such as the ongoing examination of the possible impacts of pollution on marine animals."
The environmental management of the harbour also includes regular sampling of sediment and air quality, with water sampling also about to begin. Initiatives to date by the Board have also included reintroduction of native trees to the banks of the River Dee; conducting audits of energy use, and banishing disposable cups from head office, with staff now using personalised mugs.