A NEW DEEP water berth is to be created at Montrose harbour on the site where the quayside collapsed five years ago.

Approximately 80 metres of the south quay fell into the water in August, 2003 and, once the area was made safe, almost 220 metres of quayside was unusable.

Reinstatement was considered unaffordable until now.

Port Authority chief executive John Paterson has said that in the past 18 months the demand for the marine services of the port and occupation of the authority’s property portfolio has been robust, particularly from oil-related trades.

“This has led the board of trustees to proceed boldly towards replacing berths which collapsed in 2003 with new deep water berthing facilities on the south quay,” he said.

“The variety of vessel servicing the North Sea and more distant oil fields will be even better served by the port upon completion of this necessary addition.”

The harbour has set up a planned maintenance programme for its estate, including its warehousing and workshops, and road repairs.

In the past year the port has spent almost £500,000 on maintenance and refurbishment but in the coming months the focus will be on rebuilding the collapsed quay.

Site investigations have been carried out and when the debris is removed building will start along the line of the original quay.

The harbour board is looking at methods of procurement for the contract and it hopes work can begin next spring, and be complete in a year.

“We are gaining a reputation in the oil industry as a useful place to berth and the loss of the quay has had an impact on trading,” said Mr Paterson.

“The port enjoys a high level of repeat business, its clients being attracted by friendly, efficient handling and an extensive range of support services and facilities.

“Our operating profits give rise to availability of resources to fund major refurbishment and protection of the fabric of the port, particularly in buildings and quays.

“The harbour is an important economic driver for Angus and the plans for future investment augurs well for the prosperity of the area.”