Aberdeen Harbour has recorded a significant increase in traffic in the first six months of the year, new figures have revealed.

The half-year figures for 2012 show that the total vessel numbers rose by 5% on the same period last year to nearly 4000, while shipping tonnage increased by almost 9% from 12.2m tonnes to 13.3m tonnes.

The number of support vessels using the port also increased by 9% from 2580 to 2814.

The figures were released just weeks after work commenced on a £5.2m programme of improvements, which include the widening and deepening of the navigation channel.

Chief executive of Aberdeen Harbour Board, Colin Parker, said: “These are particularly strong results which once again highlight Aberdeen Harbour’s contribution to both the regional and national economy, and the vital role it holds within the energy industry.

“We are pleased with the performance over the first six months of 2012 and are equally proud of the role Aberdeen Harbour has played in handling the growth in exports generated by the local industries.”

Aberdeen Central MSP Kevin Stewart said: "These figures are excellent news for the city, the region and for Scotland as a whole, at a time when the North Sea is a major focus for investment and for ongoing activity.

“The harbour continues to thrive and has been a vital to the north-east since the city itself was in its infancy.

“These dynamic results bring home the enormous contribution our harbour makes to the energy sector, and further demonstrate the key role the port will continue to play in the offshore industry."