The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 has announced a significant wave of new sponsors, joining previously confirmed partners in supporting this summer’s must-attend event.
The latest businesses and organisations to sign up include (in alphabetical order) Boskalis, Clarksons Port Services, Dales Marine, DC Thomson, Glen Garioch, Greenwell Equipment, Sea-Cargo, Shell, Streamline Shipping Group, Targe Towing, TotalEnergies and University of Aberdeen.
Professor Peter Edwards, Vice-Principal Regional Engagement at the University of Aberdeen, said: “We are an active champion for our local community and are delighted to be supporting the 2025 Races and showcasing the best of the north-east of Scotland.”
Stuart Cameron, Managing Director of Boskalis Subsea Services, said: “Boskalis Subsea Services is thrilled to sponsor the Crew Parade at the Tall Ships Race 2025 in Aberdeen. This event - returning to the North-east for the first time in nearly 30 years - provides a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our maritime heritage and commitment to the North Sea.”
Will Rodger, Service Manager at Streamline Shipping Group, said: “We are thrilled about our sponsorship of the Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025. Having been part of Aberdeen's maritime landscape for over four decades, this event resonates deeply with our company's heritage. It's a perfect opportunity to celebrate our city's rich seafaring history and inspire the next generation of maritime professionals.”
The festival - billed as Europe’s largest free family event – takes place between 19-22 July and nearly 50 Tall Ships have already signed up from South America, the Middle East and Europe which will create a dazzling parade of sail.
The Tall Ships Aberdeen “Quayside Concerts” in Peterson Seabase - a freight yard being transformed into one of Scotland’s biggest outdoor music venues – will feature three nights of ticketed events with major headline acts, and a free gig on Sunday night featuring renowned Scottish headliners.
This is alongside an exciting free events programme, featuring renowned Scottish headliners on the Sunday night and a vibrant schedule of daytime, family-friendly entertainment that is expected to draw an estimated 400,000 visits to Aberdeen.
Tall Ships Project Manager Emma Wadee said: “We are thrilled to welcome these new sponsors and deeply appreciate their commitment to the Tall Ships Races. The event will bring a world-class event right into the heart of Aberdeen for everyone to enjoy. With the momentum now building, we are confident this will be a truly unforgettable event for Aberdeen.”
Councillor Martin Greig, Chair of Aberdeen’s Tall Ships 2025 organising committee, said: “The Tall Ships experience will have a massive, positive impact on Aberdeen and the region. The importance of the Tall Ships is reflected in the support that has been given by our generous sponsors.
“I am absolutely delighted that high-profile partners have agreed to contribute so positively to make the event a success. This is the biggest event that Aberdeen, and its region, has seen in almost 30 years. The support from these distinguished businesses is truly appreciated."
The new supporters join previously announced sponsors ASCO, Aspect: The Strategic Communications Experts, Balmoral Group, Equinor, Global Maritime, John Lawrie Metals, OPITO, Peterson Energy Logistics, and Serica Energy.
Aberdeen is the only UK host port for the Tall Ships Races this summer and - based on the experience of previous host ports – the event stands to inject tens of millions of pounds into the city and wider economy.
Sponsorship packages are in high demand, with more than 250 local businesses attending a webinar earlier this month about how to get on board with the event.
The headline Host Port Sponsor position is among the few remaining top-tier opportunities, and there are a wide range of opportunities available for organisations of all sizes and budgets. Sponsorship benefits range from branding and media coverage to exclusive onboard parties, VIP access and volunteering opportunities.
Bob Sanguinetti, CEO, Port of Aberdeen said: “We’re delighted to see so many port users and customers, like Boskalis Subsea, Shell and TotalEnergies, step up and support the event. Business support is essential to stage the best event possible for our young people, visitors, and international crews.
“There are still opportunities for businesses, with budgets big and small, to support this once in a generation event.”
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “Everyone involved in the Tall Ships Races Aberdeen is delighted by the wave of support shown by businesses and organisations getting on board as sponsors. We can’t thank them enough and I would urge others to become sponsors, too.
“Their contribution is invaluable in making the spectacular event in July the best it can be, while leaving a lasting legacy for the city’s economy and its reputation for hosting large-scale events that can attract hundreds of thousands of visits.”
Businesses can find out more about the sponsorship packages by contacting Leanne Sinclair, Sales & Sponsorship Coordinator for Mearns & Gill, at leanne.sinclair@mearns-gill.com, calling 01224 646311 or visiting the sponsorship page.
The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 is supported through EventScotland’s International Events Funding Programme.
