Approximate Gross Value Added by the Maritime Sector

Scotland’s marine economy includes activities dependent on the marine environment such as fishing, tourism, and oil and gas. They provide an important source of income and employment across Scotland. These figures are measured by 'approximate Gross Value Added' (aGVA). This can be described as the amount a sector contributes to the economy minus the cost of the activity - as this can be used as an approximate for profit.

In 2022, the marine economy generated £4.9 billion in aGVA, 3% of the overall Scottish economy. Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City together make up 57% of this total (Fig. 1 & 2).

The longer term trend shows that between 2013 and 2022 the marine economy aGVA fell by 14%. Sectors including fishing, tourism, and ferry services increased in aGVA, whilst sectors such as oil and gas, marine construction, and sewage sectors decreased. Note, these figures do not include the offshore renewable energy sector. 

For Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, aGVA for the maritime sector fell markedly from 2019 to 2020 but has recovered by 2022. This is likely to be due to impacts from COVID-19 and Brexit, and the effect on oil and gas prices (Fig. 3).