Forth Ports successfully trials new deep water berth with the arrival of the Carnival Legend cruise vessel in Leith

Tuesday 30th July 2024

The people of Leith woke up to a spectacular sight today (30th July) with the 293m long Carnival Legend cruise vessel calling into the port’s new deep water berth. The 88,500 tonne cruise vessel, with around 3,000 passengers and crew on board, was berthed as part of the first full marine trial using the new outer berth.

Built to accommodate the world’s largest offshore renewables support vessels, Leith’s outer berth will be completed and handed over next month (August). The berth will feature a heavy lift capability of up to 100 tonnes per square metre (t/m2), backed up by 175 acres of adjacent land for associated renewables logistics, marshalling and manufacturing.

Leith will deliver Scotland’s largest renewable energy hub on a 175-acre site – supporting Scotland’s energy transition plans, boosting local supply chains, creating new, high quality green jobs and making a significant contribution to the country achieving its net zero carbon emissions targets.

A regular visitor into the River Forth, the Carnival Legend is calling into the Port of Leith itself for the first time, with over 2,000 passengers and 930 crew on board. The ship is 293m long, which is the length of around 25 buses, or three full size football pitches, rising to 12 decks above the water with a tonnage of 88,500 making her over 15 times the size of the Royal Yacht Britannia berthed nearby in Leith. Her guests will disembark in Leith and take advantage of pre-planned day excursions or travel into the city centre to enjoy the many attractions of Scotland’s capital city.

Commenting on the trial of Leith’s new outer berth, Stuart Wallace, CEO of Forth Ports, said: “Forth Ports is driving private investment into vital port infrastructure in our ports to ensure Scotland benefits from future low carbon industries, including offshore wind. Although designed and built for offshore renewables, this successful trial of the new deep water outer berth in Leith with the Carnival Legend is a true milestone for our business as we get Leith ready, ahead of the market, for future renewables projects.”

The Leith Renewables Hub will be part of the Forth Green Freeport’s strategically located tax sites, which aim to reindustrialise central Scotland, generating thousands of high-quality green jobs by increasing trade and supporting the growth of businesses across the Firth of Forth.

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Forth Green Freeport appoints Chief Executive to lead ambitious green growth strategy

Tuesday 16th July 2024

Forth Green Freeport (FGF) announces today (16 July 2024) that it has appointed Sarah Murray as the first Chief Executive of the public/private consortium.

FGF officially opened for business last month (12 June) with a commitment to deliver an ambitious green growth strategy to re-industrialise Scotland, bringing economic and net zero benefits for the country as a whole and the local communities in Fife, Falkirk, Leith and beyond.

Sarah is a highly professional leader who brings to the role considerable relevant experience working with multiple layered organisations (public and private sector) developing skills and infrastructure that drive economic activity. She also has considerable stakeholder engagement experience and collaborative successes which are seen as being particularly relevant. Sarah is currently the Director of Local London, a sub-regional economic growth partnership of nine London boroughs, and was previously Head of Regulation for the City of London Corporation (2016-2021).

Sarah spent 16 years working in Brussels in various senior roles, including leading the East of England Brussels Office, Lancashire Brussels Office and as Deputy Director at the Channel Islands Brussels Office. Sarah has also been an Executive Director of the Thames Estuary Growth Board (2021-2023) and has recently been included on the Net Zero 50 list for 2024.

Sarah was appointed following an exhaustive recruitment process led by independent recruitment specialists and involving a recruitment panel and a two stage interview process. She will take up her role as CEO on 27 August.

Welcoming Sarah to the role, Dame Susan Rice DBE, Chair of Forth Green Freeport, said: “The position of CEO of Forth Green Freeport is core to our success. We conducted a robust recruitment process to ensure that we got the right person for the job and we’re thrilled to have appointed Sarah. She brings with her a host of qualities and professional experience which are vital for the role as CEO of the Forth Green Freeport and we’re looking forward to working with her to deliver this exciting long-term programme for Scotland.”

Commenting on her appointment, Sarah Murray said: “This is an exciting opportunity for me personally and for Scotland to deliver significant economic and environmental benefits, both nationally and for local communities. Throughout my career I have gained a wealth of experience of working with multilayered partnerships and I understand the importance of good, transparent stakeholder engagement. I am looking forward to getting started in August and to begin building on the excellent start that the consortium has already made.”

The Forth Green Freeport officially “opened for business” on 12 June 2024 following approval from the Scottish and UK Governments of its Outline Business Case and the designation of its three tax sites, located in Grangemouth, Rosyth, Mid-Forth (Leith and Burntisland). The public / private consortium will attract new businesses and new jobs into the FGF area, aided by a suite of financial incentives to deliver major economic and net zero benefits for Scotland as a whole and for the local communities in Fife, Falkirk, Leith and beyond.

Focusing on the key target sectors of offshore wind, hydrogen, sustainable fuels, modular manufacturing and logistics, FGF will support the re-industrialisation of Central Scotland and large-scale economic regeneration over the next decade. The consortium is currently developing its Final Business Case which will be submitted to the Scottish and UK Governments later in the summer.

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Forth Ports submits plans for next phase of Harbour 31 as part of the regeneration of Leith

Monday 1st July 2024

Forth Ports has submitted a Proposal of Application (PAN) to The City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) for phase two of Harbour 31, known as The Dry Dock at Harbour 31, an exciting new creative and commercial hub on land to the east of Edinburgh Dock within the Port of Leith (see outline map attached with this media release).

The PAN submitted is the next phase of the wider Harbour 31 development plans for the area and follows on from the Planning Permission in Principle (PPP) submitted in March this year for 337 new homes and approximately 244sqm of commercial space.

This PAN identifies specific opportunities including business, general industrial use, storage and distribution, training/education facilities, with retail, food and drink uses on a site situated to the east of Edinburgh Dock at the Port of Leith; integrating land at the port into the wider community in and around Leith.

As part of the consultation process to inform the submission of a detailed planning application later in the year, two public exhibitions will be held at Ocean Terminal, Ocean Drive, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ. The first exhibition will be on Tuesday 30 July 2024 between 3pm and 7pm. The date of the second exhibition is still to be confirmed but will likely be in the month of September.

The redevelopment of this area of Leith represents an exciting opportunity to create a new neighbourhood while providing high quality architecture, landscaping and public space which will enhance the city’s connection to the waterfront.

Pamela Smyth, Chief Legal and Property Officer, of landowners Forth Ports Group, said: “This application is the next part of the Harbour 31 vision to create a vibrant new quarter for people to live, work in and enjoy as new green jobs come to Leith.

“Leith is quickly transitioning into a leading renewables hub and coupled with the benefits which can now be gained as the Forth Green Freeport, this will completely regenerate the area.”

The proposals have been designed by gfivethree architects.

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Forth Green Freeport is “Open for Business” as tax sites go live

Wednesday 12th June 2024

The Forth Green Freeport (FGF) is officially “open for business” today, 12 June 2024, following approval from the Scottish and UK Governments of its Outline Business Case and the designation of its three tax sites located in Grangemouth, Rosyth, Mid-Forth (Leith and Burntisland). This major step unlocks the investment incentives to deliver the green freeport vision.

This significant milestone for the public / private consortium, which is Chaired by Dame Susan Rice DBE, will attract new businesses and new jobs into the FGF area, aided by a suite of financial incentives to deliver major economic and net zero benefits for Scotland as a whole and the local communities in Fife, Falkirk, Leith and beyond.

Focusing on the key target sectors of offshore wind, hydrogen, sustainable fuels, modular manufacturing and logistics, FGF will support the re-industrialisation of Central Scotland and large-scale economic regeneration over the next decade.

Forecasts indicate that there is the potential to attract £7bn of private and public investment over the next decade, delivering Gross Value Added (GVA) of £8.4bn. This could generate up to 38,350 well paid, highly skilled, green jobs, with almost 19,000 of these being direct gross jobs linked to the FGF’s target sectors and tax sites.

Dame Susan Rice DBE, Chair of Forth Green Freeport, said: “This is it, Forth Green Freeport is officially open for business. It is an important time for the Green Freeport as we move through the business case development phase to delivery for Scotland.

“Through innovations in offshore wind manufacturing, assembly and commissioning, alongside innovative shipbuilding, modular assembly and hydrogen manufacture, the country’s net zero targets can be boosted by Forth Green Freeport.

“This is a long-term project and one which we know will deliver real benefits to the local communities through economic growth, skills re-training and training and access to high quality, green jobs.”

The potential of the FGF was highlighted by the news that Vestas has identified the Port of Leith as a possible location for a wind turbine blade manufacturing facility. This is an example of how Green Freeport status can be used to boost Scotland’s renewable energy credentials with the potential to create hundreds of quality, green jobs in Scotland, supporting the just transition to net zero.

The investment incentives will only apply to businesses who commit to and deliver against a set of demanding Investor Principles that will guide all landowners and developers.  This will include abiding by the Fair Work Charter, which prioritises the rights, wages and working conditions of employees. The principles also require businesses to buy into Forth Green Freeport’s net zero commitments.

Strong governance is a key thread with a governing board with public and private sector members already established and active and with an independent Chair, Dame Susan Rice DBE. It comprises representatives from all consortium partners and includes elected members from all three local authorities and advisers from both the Scottish and UK Governments. An invitation has also been extended to the Scottish Trades Union Council (STUC) to have a worker representative on the board.

Dame Susan Rice added: “Strong governance is at the core of Forth Green Freeport as we focus sharply on ensuring that the Green Freeport operates to the highest standards. Workers’ rights will be protected, money will be spent wisely and all of the investors we attract to benefit from the incentives that the Green Freeport offers will be as committed as we are to ensuring that the most significant beneficiaries from this long-term initiative are the people from the communities around the Forth Green Freeport.”

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Leith's A-listed Victoria Swing Bridge Reopens after Refurbishment by Forth Ports

Monday 10th June 2024

Following a full refurbishment by Forth Ports, the Category A Listed Victoria Swing Bridge located at the Port of Leith, was officially reopened at the weekend with a walk over procession and a colourful community flag parade.

The six figure investment in the refurbishment of the 150 year old bridge, which is the largest counterweighted swing bridge in Scotland, was a programme of specialist works which ensures that the bridge is protected for the future. Repairs were made to the two pedestrian walkways and the central carriageway which included replacing the existing timber decking, steel work repairs and a full repair and repaint of the well-known blue bridge’s metalwork.

The procession included three new 6-metre Leith Flags which were commissioned by The Port of Leith and created in collaboration with Kinetika and the local community. Local Leith MSP Ben Macpherson, the Citadel Youth Centre and members of the Leith community all took part in the bridge walk at the weekend. The colourful flags encapsulate the rich history, the exciting present and ambitious future of Leith through artistic design which has been inspired by local stories, memories and aspirations from the local community.

The reopening of the bridge coincided with a weekend of events as part of the Leith Jazz and Blues Festival and included vintage bus tours around the Port of Leith which were led by the port team themselves.

Commenting on the reopening event, Stuart Wallace, Group Chief Executive Designate at Forth Ports, said: “It is fantastic to be at the reopening of the Victoria Swing Bridge which is an important landmark for the community in Leith. The bridge work is just one part of the exciting ongoing regeneration activity in Leith of which we are proud to be part of. The glorious Leith flags brought colour and creativity to the reopening bridge procession and we are excited to show these flags off to the community.

 “We are grateful to everyone who collaborated in the creation of the flags and I hope the local community enjoyed the vintage bus tours of the port. I know our team had a great time leading the tours and showing the dramatic, innovative redevelopment taking place as we build Scotland’s largest offshore renewables hub.”

The reopening of the Victoria Swing Bridge, coupled with the refurbishments and reopening of the Rennie’s Isle Bridge last year by Teuchters Landing, ensure that the people of Leith have better access around the local shore area. Further work will continue next year on the Victoria Swing Bridge with the refurbishment of the timber decked turning circles. This work will not impact on access for people crossing the bridge.

The Victoria Swing Bridge was designed by Alexander Rendel and opened in 1874 to provide an efficient road and railway route for the port following the completion of construction of Albert Dock in 1869. The bridge was originally B listed but was upgraded to an A listing in 2014. It is constructed of riveted wrought iron, timber and steel and originally carried a double rail track along its central deck (providing access for both trains and road vehicles) and features pedestrian walkways on either side.

10 June 2024                          – ends –

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Port of Tilbury kicks off the summer with local performers at busy open day

Monday 13th May 2024

The Port of Tilbury’s community Open Day, held on Saturday 11th May was a great success with local performers, market stalls and red bus port tours. Hundreds of local people of all ages arrived at the sunny London Cruise Terminal for a day of events.

The event was organised by the Forth Ports team but was supported by volunteers from Thurrock and Tilbury. Over £600 was raised for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) as they celebrated their 200th anniversary.

The free events throughout the day included a sold-out vintage bus port tour and a new makers market which proved to be a great addition to the open day. Families also enjoyed face painting, crafts, and a competitive penalty shoot-out!

Paul Dale, Asset and Site Director from The Port of Tilbury said: “We had a fantastic day on Saturday as we once again opened our port doors to the local community. The day was enjoyed by everyone involved including our very own teams and their families. We are so grateful to have such a supportive community around us and would like to thank everyone who attended.”

 

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Capital Cruising begins busiest ever cruise season across Scottish ports

Tuesday 16th April 2024

The busiest season ever for Forth Ports’ Capital Cruising business, kicks off this month. A record bursting 161 cruise calls are booked in this season calling across Scotland’s east coast, carrying an estimated 235,000 passengers who will be visiting Edinburgh, Fife and Dundee during 2024. This is further growth for the cruise business, which welcomed 149 vessels in 2023, where ships sail directly into the Port of Leith, Rosyth and Dundee’s cruise berth as well as deep water anchorages in the River Forth for Newhaven and South Queensferry.

The cruise season in Scotland traditionally runs between April and October bringing thousands of passengers who visit the attractions of Scotland including the capital city. Edinburgh is a globally popular destination and viewed by the cruise market as a “marquee” cruise destination with iconic attractions, events, heritage and culture and most importantly, the city is known for welcoming cruise lines and cruise passengers.

Dundee is enjoying further strong growth in cruise, with 16 calls booked for 2024. Their season starts on 27 April with the arrival of the Seaborne Venture. In 2023, the port welcomed 14 cruise ships and in 2022 it had four.

Commenting, Rob Mason, Head of Cruise at Forth Ports, said: “We are excited to have started our busiest ever cruise season. Cruise is an important contributor to our local and national economy. Over the past decade, there has been an incredible 93% growth in the attraction of cruise in Scotland with an expected 1 million passengers calling into Scotland’s ports, generating an incredible £130million for the country’s economy.

 “91% of cruise passengers repeat a cruise with 60% returning to a destination. We are working hard with the city, destination partners, communities and the wider cruise industry to meet the industries challenges and deliver another success cruise season. We look forward to giving a warm Scottish welcome to cruise passengers this year.” [*figures from Cruise Scotland].

The cruise industry is firmly committed to the sustainable future for cruise travel both at sea and onshore, as cruise lines embrace new technologies, innovations and the uptake of sustainable alternative fuels. Whilst significant work is also being undertaken to ensure Edinburgh is recognised as a sustainability driven destination. EZ Bike Tours located next to our port in Newhaven provides environmentally friendly electric bike tours of the city as a shore excursion option. The launch of the Edinburgh Trams extension last year will also allow passengers easy access to the City using the tram stops in Newhaven and also at the Port of Leith.

Forth Ports’ has set out its commitment to reducing its own carbon footprint with ambitious targets to be carbon neutral by 2032 and net zero by 2042. Action is already underway and last year the Port of Leith becoming the first large mainland commercial port in Scotland to provide a shore power connection which allows ships to switch off any diesel-powered generators or engines.

16 April 2024                                    – ends –

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Forth Ports submits plans for exciting development at Harbour 31 as the regeneration of Leith continues

Monday 18th March 2024

Forth Ports has submitted an application for Planning Permission in Principle (PPP) to The City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) for Harbour 31, an exciting new housing, commercial and retail development on a 4.7 acre waterfront site at The Port of Leith.

The proposed redevelopment of the site, close to the new FirstStage film studio, will provide 337 new homes including studios, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments – which will be in line with the CEC’s approved affordable housing policy – and approximately 244sqm of commercial space.

The apartments will be formed over a four-plot development with heights ranging from five to eight storeys with a focus on communal green spaces for the residents to enjoy and integrated sustainable travel options.

Harbour 31 is situated to the south of Edinburgh Dock within the Port of Leith and is currently used for industrial port activities. It is located close to existing and other proposed residential developments and the extended Edinburgh tram network.

The redevelopment of this area of Leith represents an exciting opportunity to create a new neighbourhood while providing high quality architecture, landscaping and public space which will enhance the city’s connection to the waterfront.

As well as benefiting from the recently opened tram extension with a tram stop designed for The Port of Leith, the proposed development will include a new transport corridor to encourage sustainable modes of transport including a bus route, cycle lane and walking route linking Bath Road to Ocean Way. The apartments will all have access to bike storage.

There will be car parking provision, given the location of the site and the excellent public transport provision and local amenities in the vicinity, car parking provision will be around 20% and include accessible parking spaces and be EV ready.

Pamela Smyth, Chief Legal and Property Officer, of landowners Forth Ports Group, said: “At Harbour 31 we want to create a vibrant new quarter for people to live and work in, as new green jobs come to Leith. The port is transitioning into Scotland’s largest renewables hub and, coupled with the benefits which will be unlocked as part of the Forth Green Freeport, Leith will be completely regenerated.

 “With the option to walk or cycle to work or get the tram into the city centre, this new neighbourhood will be a key part of the continued regeneration of Leith.”

In addition, an application has been made for listed building consent for works associated with alterations to Edinburgh Dock for the provision of surface drainage for the proposed development.

The site sits on a dockside location and fits well with the Council’s Local Development Plan for a housing-led, mixed-use development. The proposals have been designed by Comprehensive Design Architects (CDA), an award-winning practice based in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

 

18 March 2024                                             – ends –

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Port of Tilbury to host community Open Day on 11th May

Wednesday 13th March 2024

The team at Port of Tilbury announce that the busy port will once again open its doors for a community Open Day and celebration event on Saturday 11th May from 10.30am until 4.30pm at the London Cruise Terminal and everyone is invited to come along.

The local community and families of the port team will have the opportunity to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as local performers take to the stage in the Grade 2 star listed London Cruise Terminal Baggage Hall. There will be heritage stands and informative guided tours of the vast port estate which will tell the incredible stories that have shaped the port over the years.

The FREE programme of events for all the family will run throughout the day and will include:

  • Vintage Bus Port Tours
  • Face Painter & Crafting
  • Football Activities including a penalty shoot out game
  • Makers Market
  • Live Performances by local singers and dancers
  • Heritage Stands
  • Walking Tours
  • Plant Machinery Display

The Makers Market is a new addition to the events and it is where local crafters come together to showcase their unique creations and talents. From handmade jewellery and home decor to original artworks and artisanal goods, the market will be a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind items.

Paul Dale, Asset and Site Director from The Port of Tilbury said: “It is wonderful to be able to welcome the local community, our port team and their families into the Port of Tilbury on 11 May. There will be the opportunity to tour our large port estate on a vintage bus and engage in a day filled with activities, entertainment and a get a glimpse into the rich history of the port.

 “We are looking forward to the Makers Market which is new this year. By supporting our local crafters, you not only get beautifully crafted products but also contribute to the growth of small businesses and the local economy. I hope that everyone is able to come along and join us.”

13 March 2024                                              -ends-

 

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Kite Spirit and the Port of Tilbury mark International Women’s Day with textile project commemorating Queen Elizabeth I

Friday 8th March 2024

Kite Spirit, a dynamic all female group based in Thurrock and known for their exceptional textile artworks, have started work on a new piece in celebration of International Women’s Day on 8th March 2024. Partnering with The Port of Tilbury, the group’s current project pays homage to the iconic Queen Elizabeth I and her empowering speech delivered to her troops on the banks of the Thames in Tilbury in 1588.

“I come amongst you, as. you see, at this time, not for my recreation and disport, but being resolved, in the midst and heat of the battle, to live and die amongst. you all: to lay down for my God, and for my kingdom, and my people, my honour and my blood, even in the dust.” Queen Elizabeth I, 8 August 1588

Renowned for their creativity and commitment to community projects over the past decade, Kite Spirit have used a wealth of ideas to capture the spirit of Queen Elizabeth I through their textiles. The stunning creations from the group already hang in the London Cruise Terminal in Tilbury and this new piece will also be prominently displayed in the building as a testament to the group’s dedication to both historical significance and artistic excellence.

The mood boards created [see images included with this release] show the depth Kite Spirit go to, when they research their subject. The group’s use of recycled, sustainable materials and natural dye truly is an inspiration to anyone working with textiles.

Commenting on the Project, Peter Ward, Commercial Director at The Port of Tilbury said: “As a port which has been operating for hundreds of years in Tilbury, we know the importance of our heritage and in particular the link to Queen Elizabeth I. We are honoured to collaborate with Kite Spirit on this important project. We will look forward to the final work that will not only commemorate International Women’s Day but also showcase the power of artistic expression in capturing the essence of local historical moments.”

Commenting on the project, the Kite Spirit Textile Group said: “We are planning to create a panel celebrating the connection of Queen Elizabeth I to the Tilbury area. As well as researching the fashion of the time we have been exploring the symbolism in portraits of Elizabeth I which was used to emphasize her authority and status. This was essential for her to maintain her image as a female leader in a world which was at that time ruled by men.”

 For anyone wanting to find out more about Kite Spirit, the group will be part of the Port of Tilbury’s Open Day celebrations this year on Saturday 11 May 2024.

7 March 2024                                      – ends –

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