Port of Dundee bids farewell to NnG as project’s final offshore wind turbine blades leave the port

Wednesday 9th April 2025

The Brave Tern offshore wind installation vessel sailed down the Tay from the Port of Dundee on its way to the Neart na Gaoithe (NnG) offshore wind farm for the last time, signalling the successful completion of the port’s role in the construction phase of the project.

Loaded with its final NnG cargo of wind turbine blades, the vessel was bound for the offshore wind farm site located 15km off the coast of Fife at Crail, where the blades have now been installed.

Since 2022, the Port of Dundee has been hosting the turbine components for NnG at its custom-built Wind Turbine Marshalling Facility – DunEco Quay – prior to the towers being pieced together, each 90 metres in height, on the port’s quayside where they have become a familiar part of the city’s skyline. The towers were then shipped along with turbine blades 83.5 metres in length and the generating nacelles to the wind farm site.

NnG, jointly owned by EDF Renewables UK and Ireland and ESB, will have a capacity of c.450MW. It will supply enough low carbon electricity for around 375,000* homes and will offset 400,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.

The Port of Dundee’s renewables hub represents a £40 million private investment in Dundee by Forth Ports, creating a 485 metres long heavy lift quayside and lay down area of 15 hectares – equivalent to 20 full size football pitches. It will next play host to the turbine components for the 1.1GW Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm which will be constructed 12km off the Angus coast.

This investment also marked Forth Ports’ entry to the offshore wind market, culminating in a total spend of £150 million and the creation of a further facility at the Port of Leith, providing Scotland with the ports infrastructure it needs to meet the needs of this market, creating both economic activity and a route towards decarbonisation.

Stuart Wallace, Chief Executive of Forth Ports, owners of the Port of Dundee, said: “It’s been our pleasure to host NnG here in Dundee and we look forward to hearing that it’s fully operational and pumping 450MW of clean, green energy into the National Grid in the summer. We’re particularly proud that this project has been delivered with no recordable injuries meaning that everyone involved went home safe. The port teams are now preparing to welcome Inch Cape to both Dundee and Leith as we continue to focus on helping Scotland and the UK meet our carbon reduction and renewables targets.”

Matt Haag, Project Director at NnG, said: “I’d like to thank the Port of Dundee and the people of the city for hosting us as we constructed this major infrastructure project for Scotland. We plan to be fully operational this summer and look forward to maintaining the links that we have built with our land-based neighbours throughout NnG’s 25-year lifespan.”

Dundee City Council leader, Councillor Mark Flynn, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in the operation to transport components to the NnG offshore windfarm from Dundee.  This showcases the important role our port is playing as a key hub in driving forward the nation’s renewable energy ambitions.

Dundee’s involvement in Forth Ports’ delivery of Inch Cape also highlights our strategic importance in the transition to net zero.”

9th April 2025                                                                       Ends

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Wednesday 9th April 2025

The Brave Tern offshore wind installation vessel sailed down the Tay from the Port of Dundee on its way to the Neart na Gaoithe (NnG) offshore wind farm for the last time, signalling the successful completion of the port’s role in the construction phase of the project. Loaded with its final NnG cargo of wind turbine blades, the vessel was …

The Brave Tern offshore wind installation vessel sailed down the Tay from the Port of Dundee on its way to the Neart na Gaoithe (NnG) offshore wind farm for the last time, signalling the successful completion of the port’s role in the construction phase of the project.

Loaded with its final NnG cargo of wind turbine blades, the vessel was bound for the offshore wind farm site located 15km off the coast of Fife at Crail, where the blades have now been installed.

Since 2022, the Port of Dundee has been hosting the turbine components for NnG at its custom-built Wind Turbine Marshalling Facility – DunEco Quay – prior to the towers being pieced together, each 90 metres in height, on the port’s quayside where they have become a familiar part of the city’s skyline. The towers were then shipped along with turbine blades 83.5 metres in length and the generating nacelles to the wind farm site.

NnG, jointly owned by EDF Renewables UK and Ireland and ESB, will have a capacity of c.450MW. It will supply enough low carbon electricity for around 375,000* homes and will offset 400,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.

The Port of Dundee’s renewables hub represents a £40 million private investment in Dundee by Forth Ports, creating a 485 metres long heavy lift quayside and lay down area of 15 hectares – equivalent to 20 full size football pitches. It will next play host to the turbine components for the 1.1GW Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm which will be constructed 12km off the Angus coast.

This investment also marked Forth Ports’ entry to the offshore wind market, culminating in a total spend of £150 million and the creation of a further facility at the Port of Leith, providing Scotland with the ports infrastructure it needs to meet the needs of this market, creating both economic activity and a route towards decarbonisation.

Stuart Wallace, Chief Executive of Forth Ports, owners of the Port of Dundee, said: “It’s been our pleasure to host NnG here in Dundee and we look forward to hearing that it’s fully operational and pumping 450MW of clean, green energy into the National Grid in the summer. We’re particularly proud that this project has been delivered with no recordable injuries meaning that everyone involved went home safe. The port teams are now preparing to welcome Inch Cape to both Dundee and Leith as we continue to focus on helping Scotland and the UK meet our carbon reduction and renewables targets.”

Matt Haag, Project Director at NnG, said: “I’d like to thank the Port of Dundee and the people of the city for hosting us as we constructed this major infrastructure project for Scotland. We plan to be fully operational this summer and look forward to maintaining the links that we have built with our land-based neighbours throughout NnG’s 25-year lifespan.”

Dundee City Council leader, Councillor Mark Flynn, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in the operation to transport components to the NnG offshore windfarm from Dundee.  This showcases the important role our port is playing as a key hub in driving forward the nation’s renewable energy ambitions.

Dundee’s involvement in Forth Ports’ delivery of Inch Cape also highlights our strategic importance in the transition to net zero.”

9th April 2025                                                                       Ends

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World's First Green Hydrogen Shore Power Demonstrator showcased at the Port of Leith

Thursday 13th March 2025

Innovate UK and the UK Department for Transport, together with project partners Forth Ports, Targe Towing, Logan Energy, PlusZero and Waterwhelm, today (13 March) showcased the world’s first Green Hydrogen Shore Power Demonstrator that uses clean, green hydrogen energy to reduce carbon emissions from vessels when berthed in port.

The project integrates innovative water treatment, waste heat utilisation and hydrogen production to provide clean shore power for maritime operations – an important step in the decarbonisation of ports. The highly innovative project sees the large tugs, operated by Targe Towing at the Port of Leith, now powered by green hydrogen when tied up.

This project is part of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 4 (CMDC4), funded by the UK Department for Transport (DfT) and delivered by Innovate UK. CMDC4 is part of the Department’s UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme*, a £236m initiative focused on developing the technology necessary to decarbonise the UK domestic maritime sector.

The event, attended by Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and senior stakeholders from industry and the hydrogen supply chain, delivered a live demonstration of the hydrogen-powered system and sessions on clean energy innovation. The event directly relates to the Forth Green Freeport (FGF)** innovation objectives to grow the hydrogen economy and the alternative fuel market across the FGF area.

Using specialist water treatment technology provided by Waterwhelm, fresh re-use water is made from effluent from a nearby wastewater treatment works which is then used to produce green hydrogen at The Port of Leith without compromising local water supplies. Waterwhelm’s leading technology enables water re-use and desalination processes to operate at significantly lower pressure, providing lower maintenance benefits as well as the world’s lowest-ever rate of electricity consumption and carbon emissions for water re-use.

Green hydrogen specialist partners Logan Energy and PlusZero apply their expertise to bring the clean power solution to the port – a significant collaboration that highlights major strides in Scottish hydrogen innovation.  Using a process known as electrolysis, East Lothian-based Logan Energy’s electrolyser technology splits the re-use water into oxygen and hydrogen. The hydrogen is then used as a clean fuel for PlusZero Power’s Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (HICE) powered generator which will generate green electricity to provide shore power for the tugboats when they are in port, replacing the need for polluting diesel generators.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “This is a world first for Scotland – a Green Hydrogen Shore Power Demonstrator that uses clean, green hydrogen energy to reduce carbon emissions from vessels when docked in port. It is really encouraging to see the Port of Leith leading the way and putting this kind of technological innovation into action.

 “We know that Scotland benefits from a diverse and successful maritime sector that contributes significantly to our economy. What’s been proven here is that innovative use of green hydrogen can help decarbonise ports and shipping and I hope to see this replicated in ports across the UK and beyond.

 “Scotland has the potential to be a leading international hydrogen nation, and the Scottish Government is fully committed to helping the Scottish hydrogen sector develop and grow. We are creating a hydrogen economy that will provide economic benefit and a renewable and low carbon source of energy to help meet our net zero ambitions.”

Stuart Wallace, Chief Executive Officer of Forth Ports said: “This is an exciting green fuel transition initiative for Forth Ports and Targe Towing as we work towards our commitment to reduce carbon emissions across Forth Ports’ group operations to become net zero by 2042.  This is the first project of its kind to be demonstrated at a UK port and we are thrilled that Targe Towing has been nominated for the prestigious Tug Innovation of the Year award.”

 Ali Abbassi Monjezi, Director at Waterwhelm, said: “Water and hydrogen both play major roles in our transition to net zero emissions. In this context, the interconnectivity of wastewater treatment sites with hydrogen production plants can enable multiple synergistic gains. Importantly, it future-proofs water supply for hydrogen production at a time of declining water availability due to climate change and population growth. Through this project, we have demonstrated how this interconnectivity can be achieved using Waterwhelm’s technology for water supply to green hydrogen production at The Port of Leith.”

 Craig Stewart, Business Development Director for Logan Energy, said:“The Green Hydrogen Shore Power Demonstrator showcases the vital role green hydrogen will play in achieving global net zero goals. At Logan Energy, we are proud to contribute our expertise and specialist equipment to this groundbreaking project. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with our partners to scale up this technology, enabling more vessels, in more ports, to be berthed and powered with zero emissions.”

David Amos, Managing Director of PlusZero Power, said: “Our mission at PlusZero Power is to deliver clean, green hydrogen solutions that help our customers decarbonise their operations and this project is a significant step towards reducing maritime emissions. We are proud to be collaborating with our partners whose expertise and shared commitment to hydrogen innovation are essential in driving meaningful progress toward a more sustainable future.”

Mike Biddle, Executive Director, Net Zero, Innovate UK said: “This project shows how powerful collaborative innovation can be to prosper from the net zero transition.  By working in partnership with the Department for Transport and companies throughout the UK we’re showing we can grow the UK economy and achieve our climate commitments.”  

 ENDS –

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Shaping conversations across key markets – Forth Ports launches official podcast, ‘The ForthCast’

Tuesday 25th February 2025

Forth Ports has today (25th February) launched its official podcast, The ForthCast.

The ForthCast opens the doors and offers a fresh, unique perspective into Forth Ports as a business, the key markets shaping the UK economy and the people that make things happen across the business as well as what Forth Ports is doing to help drive economic activity and growth in the UK.

The podcast will feature a range of guests from across the business as well as hearing from industry leaders and experts across some of the company’s key markets and the communities in which it operates.

Launching across several platforms, the first episode focuses on the cruise industry, Forth Ports’ continued evolution and growth in this sector, with insights from Forth Ports Senior Business Development and Strategy Manager, Rob Mason, hosted by cruise industry expert and advisor, Liz Gammon.

The next episode will spotlight Forth Ports’ exciting journey into Offshore Wind, highlighting their groundbreaking infrastructure developments that are set to deliver transformative energy projects for future generations.

Rob Mason, Senior Business Development and Strategy Manager at Forth Ports, said: “We have been working on bringing The ForthCast to a wide range of listeners behind the scenes for a while now and finally launching the podcast is a great feeling. At Forth Ports, we see this as the perfect opportunity for everyone to learn about who we are, gain insights on various subjects across our key markets and, most importantly, get to know the people who make Forth Ports the place it is today.”

 The ForthCast is a Forth Ports Limited and Pixelwork production. The ForthCast is available on:

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Forth Ports strengthens Exec Board with appointment of two Regional Directors

Thursday 20th February 2025

Forth Ports Limited, the UK ports group with eight ports on the UK’s strategic estuaries – the Thames, the Forth and the Tay – announces the promotion of David Webster and Derek Knox to newly created Regional Director roles. To enhance the growing business and drive Forth Ports’ long-term success across the UK, they will join the group’s Executive Board with immediate effect and take up their new roles from 31 March 2025.

David Webster (currently Commercial Director) is promoted to Regional Director for Tilbury, assuming full responsibility for leading and further developing the Tilbury business on the River Thames. With extensive experience and a track record in growth and diversification, David will focus on leading the team at the Port of Tilbury to drive its continued success. David has been with Forth Ports for 10 years in senior management roles.

Derek Knox (currently Director of Operations Scotland) is promoted to Regional Director for Scotland, assuming full responsibility for leading the Scottish teams at its seven ports in Scotland and including the company’s port services and infrastructure division, Forth Projects. Derek has played a key role in developing Forth Ports’ Scotland strategy, strengthening its core business, and also leads on the Forth Green Freeport activities. Derek has worked with Forth Ports for over 25 years in a number of senior roles at its busy ports across Scotland.

Commenting on the promotions, Stuart Wallace, Chief Executive Officer, said:

“As we navigate an evolving market landscape, our focus remains on delivering sustainable growth. Capitalising on the strength, capability and expertise within our business, we are excited to make these new leadership appointments. My congratulations to both David and Derek on their well-deserved promotions.”

In their new roles, David and Derek will report directly to Chief Executive, Stuart Wallace. Paul Dale, Chief Operating Officer, will provide Group strategic support and guidance as these regions evolve, ensuring a strong focus on operational excellence, delivery for customers and achieving the group’s ambition of being the industry leader in the key UK markets in which it operates, currently and in the future, capitalising on Forth Ports’ geographic strengths and sectoral expertise.

As a prominent partner in both the Thames Freeport and Forth Green Freeport, Forth Ports is committed to accelerating the UK’s drive to Net Zero, creating high quality jobs and driving the green economy.

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Forth Ports celebrates apprentice achievements as it offers 20 new early career roles across the group

Monday 17th February 2025

Forth Ports hosted celebration events in Scotland and in Tilbury to recognise the achievements of their talented apprentices, recognising the value they contribute to the business, and acknowledge the skills they have developed throughout their journey.

The events celebrated and awarded 11 apprentices across the group who successfully completed their apprenticeships in the past year and who have now transitioned into permanent positions, adding to the business’s 95% apprentice retention record.

For the first time this year, two individual apprentices received a prestigious Apprentice of the Year award, an accolade that will now be given each year.

In Scotland, Callum Carr, 19, a former Falkirk High student, was named Apprentice of the Year. Callum began his journey with Forth Ports in 2023 as an Electrical Engineering Apprentice, working toward his qualification through Forth Valley College, which he is expected to complete in 2027. Callum exemplifies the core values of Forth Ports, consistently striving for success and serving as an excellent role model for his peers and future apprentices.

In Tilbury, Rebekah Inniss, 22, a former student of The Ockendon Academy, was awarded Apprentice of the Year. She began her career on the government’s Kickstart initiative working in the port’s reception in 2021. In 2023, she was offered a full-time position as a clerical assistant in Conventional and enrolled in a Business Administration Apprenticeship, which she aims to complete by June this year. Her hard work has made her an instrumental part of the team, exemplifying how the skills gained through these programmes can significantly advance your career.

Commenting on the apprenticeship programme Natalie Dalgleish, Head of Learning & Development said: “At Forth Ports, we recognise the transformative power of apprenticeships in unlocking potential, developing lifelong skills, and creating opportunities for growth. During our recent awards ceremony, we emphasised the crucial role that apprenticeships play in shaping careers and driving innovation within our business.

Apprenticeships are not exclusively for young people embarking on their careers; they serve as a valuable tool for individuals at any stage of their professional journey to upskill, reskill, and explore new opportunities.

At Forth Ports, we remain dedicated to nurturing talent through initiatives that equip individuals with the skills necessary not only for career success but also for personal development, contributing to the success of our business and the wider communities we serve.” 

Forth Ports has also launched its early careers campaign at an exciting time for the business as it continues to grow following a period of significant investment across the UK. The business needs a talented workforce and has 17 exciting early career roles available across their UK ports. This is their largest ever intake of Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) and despite a reported 31% decline in apprenticeship opportunities in the UK (source: CIPD*), Forth Ports remains committed to building its future workforce and upskilling the current team.

Forth Ports is seeking 17 Modern Apprenticeships and one graduate to fill roles which will provide skills for life to individuals working across their Scottish and Tilbury operations. There are a variety of roles including a newly create MA role in procurement. The MA roles available are:

  • Port of Tilbury (12 roles) in operations, health & safety, procurement, marine and engineering.
  • In Scotland, there are four MA engineering roles in Grangemouth, Leith and Dundee.
  • The business also requires one Graduate to join the essential IT team in Scotland.

Closing date for applying is 10 March 2025. For more about careers at Forth Ports and the current vacancies, go to: https://www.forthports.co.uk/careers/

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Maritime Minister visits Port of Tilbury to see major expansion plans and Thames Freeport opportunities

Thursday 6th February 2025

The Port of Tilbury welcomed the Maritime Minister, Mike Kane MP today (6 February) for a briefing and tour of the UK’s fastest growing port, where, through significant private investment, the port is developing plans to further expand within the Thames Freeport land area to support their major markets.

The Port of Tilbury is working on plans on a 100 acres site to the east of the existing port at Tilbury2 to expand the port related activities on the back of market demand. To be called Tilbury3, the investment will create and sustain skilled jobs and support the current and future needs of its customers in renewables, recycling and logistics. Tilbury3 is within the Thames Freeport tax site land area.

The Minister also met with apprentices and graduates [see images] and was accompanied by Forth Ports’ Chief Executive, Stuart Wallace, Paul Dale, Chief Operating Officer and Peter Ward, Commercial Director, allowing the Minister to see for himself the skills and training opportunities offered throughout the Forth Ports Group as he toured the port’s state-of-the-art training simulator suite.

Maritime Minister, Mike Kane said: “It was fantastic to visit the Port of Tilbury today to see the sheer extent of their operations and to meet with their hardworking apprentices and graduate students. I very much welcome their expansion plans for Tilbury3, which will help strengthen trade links with other countries, boost economic growth and support the skills and jobs needed for the future.”

Stuart Wallace, CEO of Forth Ports, welcomed the Maritime Minister’s visit and commented on the latest major expansion to the Port of Tilbury – Tilbury3: “We were pleased to welcome the Minister to the port today to brief him on our future expansion plans and the offshore renewables opportunities on the horizon. The success and growth of the Port of Tilbury is intertwined with the growth of the green circular, South East and Greater London economies. 

 “The proposed expansion of our operations into Tilbury3, which is backed by substantial shareholder investment and Thames Freeport investment incentives, will support growing customer demand for new or expanded facilities – delivering more high quality employment to the local area.”

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Thursday 6th February 2025

The Port of Tilbury welcomed the Maritime Minister, Mike Kane MP today (6 February) for a briefing and tour of the UK’s fastest growing port, where, through significant private investment, the port is developing plans to further expand within the Thames Freeport land area to support their major markets. The Port of Tilbury is working on plans on a 100 …

The Port of Tilbury welcomed the Maritime Minister, Mike Kane MP today (6 February) for a briefing and tour of the UK’s fastest growing port, where, through significant private investment, the port is developing plans to further expand within the Thames Freeport land area to support their major markets.

The Port of Tilbury is working on plans on a 100 acres site to the east of the existing port at Tilbury2 to expand the port related activities on the back of market demand. To be called Tilbury3, the investment will create and sustain skilled jobs and support the current and future needs of its customers in renewables, recycling and logistics. Tilbury3 is within the Thames Freeport tax site land area.

The Minister also met with apprentices and graduates [see images] and was accompanied by Forth Ports’ Chief Executive, Stuart Wallace, Paul Dale, Chief Operating Officer and Peter Ward, Commercial Director, allowing the Minister to see for himself the skills and training opportunities offered throughout the Forth Ports Group as he toured the port’s state-of-the-art training simulator suite.

Maritime Minister, Mike Kane said: “It was fantastic to visit the Port of Tilbury today to see the sheer extent of their operations and to meet with their hardworking apprentices and graduate students. I very much welcome their expansion plans for Tilbury3, which will help strengthen trade links with other countries, boost economic growth and support the skills and jobs needed for the future.”

Stuart Wallace, CEO of Forth Ports, welcomed the Maritime Minister’s visit and commented on the latest major expansion to the Port of Tilbury – Tilbury3: “We were pleased to welcome the Minister to the port today to brief him on our future expansion plans and the offshore renewables opportunities on the horizon. The success and growth of the Port of Tilbury is intertwined with the growth of the green circular, South East and Greater London economies. 

 “The proposed expansion of our operations into Tilbury3, which is backed by substantial shareholder investment and Thames Freeport investment incentives, will support growing customer demand for new or expanded facilities – delivering more high quality employment to the local area.”

 -ends-

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Port of Tilbury invests in LHM 550 mobile harbour crane for operational expansion

Wednesday 29th January 2025

The Port of Tilbury has expanded its fleet with its third LHM 550 mobile harbour crane from Liebherr Great Britain. The multifunctional crane has been acquired to support the growing operations of London’s major Port, including Aggregate Industries’ new cement grinding manufacturing facility and import terminal.

The crane arrived on 18th January via the Baltic Sea fully assembled on the MV Meri heavy load vessel from Liebherr-MCCtec Rostock, Germany. With an outreach of 54 metres and 144-tonne configured lifting capacity, the LHM 550 is engineered for high-volume cargo throughput. The unloading of the crane was assisted by an LH 150 Port Litronic material handler which has been in operation at Tilbury since 2023.

Commenting on the arrival of the new mobile harbour crane, Paul Dale, Chief Operating Officer of Forth Ports said: “We have set out ambitious net zero targets across our business and are investing in greener technology to ensure that our operations are sustainable. The Liebherr LHM 550 joins our busy fleet in Tilbury and they will all support our growing bulks and heavy lift work across our port estate. We have a long-term relationship with Liebherr across the group and we are aligned in our commitment to greener operations.”

The LHM 550 crane has been specified with additional technology, including an over-pressure system to best aid future projects, including Aggregate Industries’ facility on the Port. Once it’s operational in 2026, the crane will handle granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) a low carbon alternative to conventional cement, unloading it from the vessel into the hopper of the plant. Due to the aggressive nature of GBFS, an over-pressure system has been fitted to force ventilate the slewing platform of the crane to prevent product ingress into the machine rooms. Furthermore, corrosion control of the mobile harbour crane is largely protected by the paint finish. Liebherr applies the same paint finish on the LHM crane range as it does for its offshore and ship cranes, ensuring that the quality exceeds most port standards.

Aggregate Industries’ new facility will allow the company to serve its customers 24/7 with conventional, low carbon and circular cementitious materials from five loading heads. In alignment with Forth Port’s objective to achieve net-zero emissions, the mobile harbour crane incorporates several of Liebherr’s green technologies. Firstly, the LieGEN energy recovery system captures and reuses energy, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing fuel consumption. The latest engine technology is fitted to comply with the most stringent emissions standards, setting new benchmarks for environmentally friendly port equipment. The crane can operate on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel, supporting the Port’s initiative to operate the crane on HVO from the delivery date, thereby reducing carbon emissions.

Finally, the crane’s electric-ready design allows for connection to an electrical power supply, facilitating the transition to zero emission operations in the future. These innovations underscore a commitment to sustainability and demonstrate a proactive approach to enhancing the ecological footprint of the Port’s operations.

Liebherr Great Britain’s Port Equipment and Maritime Cranes Sales Manager, Robert Alexander, comments: “Liebherr Great Britain is proud to continue supporting the Port of Tilbury, as it invests in cutting-edge equipment to enhance its operations. The addition of an LHM 550 Mobile Harbour Crane
marks another milestone in our strong partnership.

“This state-of-the-art crane joins two existing LHM 550s at Tilbury and a third at the Port of Rosyth, underscoring Forth Ports’ commitment to operational excellence.

“With advanced green technologies and future-ready design, the LHM 550 aligns perfectly with Forth Ports’ ambitious growth plans and sustainability objectives. We are honoured to support their leadership in efficient and environmentally responsible logistics.

“Our sincerest thanks to Forth Ports for its trust in Liebherr solutions and its collaboration in achieving this latest milestone.”

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Plans submitted for next phase of Harbour 31 as part of the continued regeneration of Leith

Wednesday 29th January 2025

Forth Ports has submitted Detailed Planning Consent and Listed Building Consent to The City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) for phase two of Harbour 31, known as ‘The Dry Dock at Harbour 31’, an exciting creative and commercial hub on land to the south east of Edinburgh Dock within the Port of Leith.

The Dry Dock at Harbour 31 development is part of the wider Harbour 31 regeneration plan currently used for industrial port activities, the proposal will transform the site into a dynamic, mixed-use development that will cater to a diverse range of businesses, from creatives and visual artists to port related enterprises and other commercial sectors.

The redevelopment will also introduce new public spaces, opening up previously inaccessible areas of the port to the wider community. Featuring repurposed shipping containers which will provide flexible, inspiring workspaces that respect the site’s industrial heritage while creating a collaborative, professional, and sociable environment.

Pamela Smyth, Chief Legal and Property Officer, of landowners Forth Ports Limited, said: “Our application for The Dry Dock at Harbour 31 aims to deliver a vibrant, creative and commercial hub that integrates this historical site with its surroundings and will introduce new public spaces and open up previously inaccessible areas of the port to the community.

“Through significant investment, the Port of Leith is transitioning into a leading offshore renewables hub and coupled with this proposed development, this adds to the current regeneration of Leith and the waterfront.”

 29 January 2025                         – ends –

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Port of Rosyth’s agri-hub multimillion pound investment in haulage equipment

Thursday 23rd January 2025

Scotland’s largest agricultural products hub (“agri-hub”) at the Port of Rosyth has made a further major investment in specialist haulage equipment to support the large tonnage of bulk cargos the port handles each year. The multimillion-pound investment sees the delivery of 10 tractors and 13 trailers which will primarily support the bulk cargo import work with agri feed specialist Cefetra,

Cefetra, a long-term customer of the Port of Rosyth, supplies the Scottish market with key raw materials for the feed, food and drink industries, and has imported over 2 million tonnes of agri bulk into the port since the partnership started in 2020.

The 10 new tractors are New Holland T6.180’s built in Basildon, Essex with 13 Marshall QM1400 (18.4 cubic meter, 20t capacity) trailers manufactured in Aberdeen. All the equipment, supplied by Bryson Tractors Ltd, is TASCC (Trade Assurance Scheme for Combinable Crops) certified, a quality accreditation, to allow them to handle food and feed products. [NB: See images of five tractors and trailers at The Port of Rosyth provided with this release].

Commenting on the investment, Andy Lamb, Asset Manager at the Port of Rosyth said: “This significant investment in our agri-hub in Rosyth ensures that we are able to provide excellent haulage support for our important customer Cefetra with the large volume of agri-bulk imported each year. Coupled with our bespoke agri-bulk warehousing at the port, we are in the perfect location to ensure that the supplies reach the key farming and food market in Scotland. Our thanks to the team at Bryson Tractors for delivering the tractors and trailers in time for a busy 2025 ahead.”

 James Neilson, Supply Chain Director, Cefetra said: “We are delighted to see this significant investment at the Port of Rosyth, which underscores its vital role as Scotland’s premier agri-hub. The addition of specialist haulage equipment will enhance the port’s operational efficiency and capacity, directly supporting the high volumes of bulk cargo we handle together.

 “As a long-term partner of the Port of Rosyth, Cefetra is proud to contribute to Scotland’s feed, food, and drink industries by ensuring a reliable supply of key raw materials. The import of over 2 million tonnes to date highlights the strength of this partnership and its importance to Scotland’s agricultural and industrial sectors.

This investment is a clear commitment to supporting sustainable growth in the agri-supply chain. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Port of Rosyth to deliver quality and efficiency for our customers across Scotland.”

 Stuart Dickson, Sales Manager from Bryson Tractors Ltd, who supplied the Marshall Trailers and New Holland Tractors said “We are really pleased to work with Forth Ports on this project.  Working along with our suppliers, we put together a comprehensive package to meet the requirements and timescales of Forth Ports.  Our team at Bryson Tractors and our suppliers put in a huge effort to deliver this project. It’s great to see the machines now operating on-site. We are looking forward to continue supporting Forth Ports and Cefetra in the future.”

Forth Ports has set out its ambition to achieve net zero operations across the group by 2042 and, as part of this, the Port of Rosyth is working through a transition to move all plant and equipment to run on HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil). This process began in 2023 with the dedicated Agri Hub equipment including the mobile harbour crane and eco hopper switching to HVO.

The agri-hub in Rosyth, which opened in 2020, handles an extensive range of important agricultural products for Scottish animal feed, food and drink and farming industries. The port’s warehouse capacity for agri products can store up to 100,000 tonnes. The new equipment will be based in Rosyth, Leith and Dundee with the majority of tonnage being handled in Rosyth. They will join the existing fleet of specialist bulk cargo moving equipment at the port including the Liebherr mobile harbour crane with SAMSON ecological hopper to manage dust emission.

The location and facilities at the Agri-Hub on the Firth of Forth ensure an efficient supply chain as cargo can be shipped directly from many origins from all around the World to Scotland without the need for trans-shipments at a European port. This also means there is a reduction in truck road miles as the hub is located centrally in Scotland for many farmers and food manufacturers.

Rosyth’s location and logistical links to the motorway network, make it ideally suited to supply all areas of Scotland and Northern England. The port has both deep sea and short sea capabilities. To create the agri-hub, the Port of Rosyth was deepened to provide a true deep-water port capable of taking vessels carrying up to 50,000 tonnes of cargo.

 23 January 2025                          – ENDS –

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Kind-hearted Port of Tilbury employees donate over a hundred Christmas gifts to Changing Pathways charity

Friday 20th December 2024

Kind-hearted employees at the Port of Tilbury have made a generous donation of 136 gifts to the Changing Pathways charity, just in time for Christmas. The port has been supporting the local charity for over a decade with people from across the port buying and wrapping gifts for adults and children to open on Christmas day.

Changing Pathways has been providing support to adults and their children affected by domestic abuse in South Essex and Thurrock for over forty years. The charity provides free and confidential services for people who are currently experiencing or have previously experienced domestic abuse and other forms of inter-personal violence including stalking, harassment, ‘honour-based’ abuse and forced marriage. They focus on listening to survivors and together decide the support required to enable them to take their first step on a pathway to rebuilding their lives.

Paul Dale, Chief Operating Officer at Forth Ports (owners of the Port of Tilbury) said: “The team at the Port of Tilbury have once again shown their generosity to Changing Pathways with their gift donations. The festive season can be a tough time for a lot of people and we hope that the gifts will bring some cheer this Christmas.”

 

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