Scotland's marine economic statistics 2016

The publication presents economic statistics for industrial categories defined as part of the marine sector.

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8. Construction of Water Projects and Water Transport Service Activities

8.1 Introduction

For ease of description, in this report the joint industry sector will be referred to as ‘Construction and water transport services’.

The two industry classes 42.91: ‘Construction of water projects’ and 52.22: ‘Service activities incidental to water transportation’ have been combined so that the data in both categories is not disclosive. Construction and water transport services are key for connectivity and supporting growth of island economies.

The SABS category of Construction of water projects includes:

  • construction of:
    • waterways, harbour and river works, pleasure ports (marinas), locks, etc.
    • dams and dykes
  • dredging of waterways

It excludes project management activities related to civil engineering works.

The SABS category of Service activities incidental to water transportation includes:

  • activities related to water transport of passengers, animals or freight:
    • operation of terminal facilities such as harbours and piers and operation of waterway locks etc.
    • navigation, pilotage and berthing activities
    • lighterage (the transference of cargo by means of a lighter), salvage activities
  • lighthouse activities

This class excludes cargo handling and operation of marinas.

8.2 Key economic points

In 2016, Construction and water transport services generated £422 million in GVA: accounting for 0.3 % of the overall Scottish economy, and 11 % of the marine economy.

In terms of employment, Construction and water transport services provided employment for 4,000 workers, contributing 0.15 % to total Scottish employment, and 5 % of the marine economy employment.

8.3 Construction and water transport services – trends

Table 12 : Construction and water transport services - GVA, turnover, employment and GVA per head, 2008 to 2016 (2016 prices)

Year GVA £M Turnover £M Employment Headcount 000's GVA Per Worker £
2008 316 538 2.60 121,480
2009 423 602 3.10 136,567
2010 249 449 2.90 85,790
2011 341 592 3.30 103,356
2012 364 852 3.10 117,311
2013 536 1,022 3.90 137,497
2014 483 837 3.30 146,339
2015 506 863 3.80 133,027
2016 422 672 4.00 105,600

Between 2015 and 2016, GVA fell by 16% while employment rose by 5%. Looking at the longer term trends, which have been variable, between 2008 and 2016 Construction and water transport services GVA (adjusted to 2016 prices) increased by a third and employment increased by 54%.

Figure 10 : Construction and water transport services – GVA and employment, 2008 to 2016 (2016 prices)

Figure 10 : Construction and water transport services – GVA and employment, 2008 to 2016 (2016 prices)

Contact

Kirsty.Bosley@gov.scot

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