Spanish-owned Dragados UK withdrew from the Nigg Bay project last month, citing the coronavirus crisis as well as “other factors” for the decision.

Aberdeen Harbour Board has now awarded engineering firm Ashleigh Contracts a £1.6m contract to complete the north breakwater of the new south harbour.

Ashleigh Contracts, which had already been involved in the project, will take up work this month.

Announcing the deal, Aberdeen Harbour Board chief executive Michelle Handforth said: “Ashleigh’s have worked on the project previously and their continuing involvement brings significant expertise and efficiencies to our construction programme

“We are thrilled to have them carry out this additional piece of work.”

Ashleigh Contracts director, Philip Conacher, added: “This is one of the most prestigious and challenging marine civil engineering projects currently under way in the UK and we are delighted to be a part of it, along with our in-house fleet of specialist equipment and our experienced and skilled personnel.

“We look forward to working with the harbour board and Doig and Smith to bring the north breakwater to a successful completion.”