The Secretary of State for Scotland, The Rt. Hon. Alister Jack MP, toured the nation’s largest renewables hub at the Port of Leith today (7 March) as the new riverside berth reaches a significant construction milestone.

Primed by an initial £50 million private investment by the port’s owner, Forth Ports, 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.

The Secretary of State was at the construction site of the bespoke riverside berth, which is being built by GRAHAM, with the piling and the creation of the foundation for the massive platform completed last month. Mr Jack oversaw the start of the installation of the pre-cast concrete sections which will create the surface of the heavy lift riverside berth. Over the next month, the team will install 108 sections which have been cast on site and constructed with an engineered lower carbon concrete.

Once completed this summer, the berth will be able to accommodate the world’s largest offshore wind installation vessels and 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.

The renewables hub in Leith is linked with Forth Ports’ ambitious plan to create a high-capacity FLOW (floating offshore wind) integration facility at the Port of Burntisland in Fife, taking advantage of the deep water, infrastructure and skills benefits of the Forth Estuary, as well as the Forth Green Freeport investment incentives package.

The Leith Renewables Hub will be part of the Forth Green Freeport’s strategically located tax and customs 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.

Charles Hammond OBE, Group Chief Executive of Forth Ports, who hosted the Secretary of State today, said: “We welcome the Secretary of State’s visit to see for himself the scale of the renewables hub we are creating in Leith. We are transforming the port into Scotland’s largest renewables hub and, coupled with our vision to create a FLOW facility in Burntisland, we will advance the country’s delivery of a green economy rich in skilled employment and new infrastructure.

 “Our investment in Leith is crucial to the success of the Forth Green Freeport, which has the potential to support offshore wind construction projects and the hydrogen economy, and create local manufacturing content, local jobs and skills development for the next generation.”

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “It was a real pleasure to visit Forth Ports today to see progress on the construction of their new renewables hub. The project will make a huge contribution to our energy transition, as well as boosting local supply chains, creating new jobs and giving the local economy a real boost. 

“UK Freeports, and the tax breaks which go with them, encourage regional economic growth by promoting trade, investment and jobs. I am very pleased that the UK Government has brought two to Scotland, as well as two Investment Zones. They are a key part of the UK Government’s strategy to grow Scotland’s economy.”

In 2023, Forth Ports launched its Net Zero Plan and the actions it is taking to achieve a Net Zero carbon operation by 2042.  The company, which is Scotland’s biggest port operator, also outlined an interim target of achieving carbon neutral emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 2032, while creating an infrastructure platform – like Leith and Burntisland – to accelerate the UK’s path to a decarbonised economy.

Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, was welcomed to Scotland’s key strategic freight hub at the Port of Grangemouth today (6 March). In her first visit to a major port in her new role, the Cabinet Secretary was briefed by the senior port team, including CEO designate, Stuart Wallace, on the investment programme underway at the port – and across the group’s Scottish ports – including upgrades to infrastructure, equipment and rail.

Commenting on her visit, the Cabinet Secretary said: “The Port of Grangemouth is a crucial gateway to Scotland and has a key role to play in reducing transport emissions as well as supporting national, regional and local economies. Forth Ports should be congratulated for its commitment, and the actions it is taking, to achieve a Net Zero carbon operation by 2042. I am keen to work with the port to ensure its benefits to Scotland are maximised. Commitments like this support our National Transport Strategy and we will continue to work with the freight sector to reduce emissions and make a significant positive contribution to our Net Zero target.”

The Port of Grangemouth, which handles 30% of Scottish GDP, will be a strategic site as part of the new Forth Green Freeport which will help to transform the port and the surrounding industrial complex into a major low carbon logistics, fuels, processing and R&D centre for the Scottish economy.

Stuart Wallace, CEO designate of the Forth Ports Group, who led the visit, said: “It was a pleasure to host Ms Hyslop today and to showcase the key role the Port of Grangemouth plays in Scotland’s logistics and freight sector, connecting importers and exporters to mainland Europe and beyond.

 “The port’s growing international and domestic freight network seamlessly supports Scottish traders in efficiently moving their materials and goods to and from international destinations.”

Derek Knox, Director of Operations – Scottish Ports, commented: “The Port of Grangemouth is the country’s largest port and is Scotland’s freight hub of choice.  The Forth Green Freeport’s investment incentives, skills and infrastructure development package will build further momentum behind the growing port-centric footprint of the port, while supporting the growth of new green industries across the Forth Estuary, as the Scottish economy continues its just transition to net zero.”

 The Port of Grangemouth operates Scotland’s largest container port and freight hub. More than £6 billion worth of goods passes through Grangemouth each year including steel plate, timber, paper and equipment for the oil and gas industry. There are regular container services from Grangemouth with frequent sailings to mainland Europe and UK deep sea hub ports. Most of the major lines utilise these feeder services to link with mother container vessels plying between the world’s major ports.

 6 March 2024                                               -Ends-

One of Scotland’s most respected Chief Executives has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce. Charles Hammond OBE, who steps down as CEO of Forth Ports after 23 years later this year, received the accolade at a glittering awards ceremony in Edinburgh last night (29 February 2024). Forth Ports were also successful at the annual business awards winning in the Large Business of the Year category.

Charles has been active in the ports sector for over 30 years and his outstanding service to the business community was acknowledged by Edinburgh Chamber Chief Executive, Liz McAreavey: “We are delighted to honour, with our Lifetime Achievement Award, the considerable accomplishments and service of Charles Hammond OBE, who steps down as Chief Executive of Forth Ports this summer after a stellar career spanning 35 years. During his career he has overseen the significant and strategic growth of Forth Ports’ operations across the UK, has served the communities in which they operate and has fulfilled many leadership roles representing the interests of business, the industry, the Chamber and the city with great distinction.”

Charles led the port group through the challenges of the global pandemic where, as a key industry, the port sector had to remain active to keep food, medicine and medical equipment moving across the quaysides throughout lockdown.  As a champion of Net Zero, Charles recently set the company’s ambitious plans to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2042 and carbon neutrality by 2032.

He has been instrumental in managing the development of the people of Forth Ports with his latest “youth policy” bringing in new, young talent but also attracting a wider cohort of employees, thus bringing diversity and strength to its workforce.

The local communities around the ports are something Charles cares passionately about and is extremely proud that Forth Ports is the only port company in the UK to have successfully delivered two Freeport bids, one in the Forth Estuary and one in Tilbury.  Charles was instrumental in the creation of the Leith Community Trust with seed capital being provided by both Forth Ports and its customer base and the funds now being distributed to organisations.

Commenting on receiving the award, Charles Hammond OBE said: “I feel honoured and privileged to receive this award from the Chamber and I am very grateful. It is also fantastic for the team to be awarded the Large Business of the Year award too.

 My career achievements have not been a solo effort and I want to dedicate this award to the fantastic team at Forth Ports who will take the business forward.”

 A qualified lawyer, Charles, joined Forth Ports when it was a publicly run ports and river authority in 1989 as Company Secretary. He was appointed Chief Executive in 2001 and has overseen Forth Ports’ expansion to a point today when the company owns and operates eight commercial ports, including Tilbury on the Thames, six ports on the Firth of Forth and Dundee on the Firth of Tay. He also oversaw the company’s move from a publicly listed PLC to private ownership in 2011.

Charles was awarded an OBE in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to the UK ports industry and to Scottish business and in November 2023 stood down from his role as Chair of the UK Major Ports Group after 10 years at the helm.

Charles is currently a member of The Scottish Energy Advisory Board and is a strategic adviser to Ports of Jersey after 4 years as a Non-Executive Director and is a member of the Global Britain Commission. He has previously been Chairman of SpaceandPeople Group, the retail, promotional and brand experience specialist and is a past Chairman of Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh, the Economic Development Agency for the East of Scotland.

1 March 2024                                   – ends –

Forth Ports, the UK’s third largest port group, has placed an order for two new pilot boats to join their fleet working on the Rivers Forth and Tay. The investment in the vessels to work on the busy waterways will see the arrival next year of the next generation of pilot boats built by Holyhead Marine.

Pilot boats* are important vessels on the river as they transport maritime pilots to the ships that need guided safely into port through the lock gates in Leith and Grangemouth, to a berth at a quayside in Dundee or Rosyth or to one of the deep-water anchorages in the River Forth. As the statutory river authority for the Forth and Tay, Forth Ports marine team operate over an area of 280 square miles of navigable waters.

The two pilot boats have been designed in Scotland by Camarc Design and will be built this year by Holyhead Marine in Wales. The pilot boats are 16.6 metres long and are the most advanced boats in operation with an updated hull design and engines offering increased efficiency. In the future, the engines would be capable of operating on HVO fuel (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) which could result in a C02 emission reduction of up to 90%. [**NB: further tech info is listed below]

Alan McPherson, Chief Harbour Master for Forth Ports’ Scottish operations, said: “It is important that we invest in our marine fleet to deliver the best service for river users and at the same time, decarbonise our vessels using the very latest engine technology. The Rivers Forth and Tay are two of the largest and busiest waterways in the UK with thousands of vessels using the rivers each year, ranging from very large offshore drilling rigs in Dundee, to container vessels heading to Grangemouth and cruise liners sailing into both rivers. We look forward to receiving the new pilot boats next year.”  

 Forth Ports currently has 5 pilot boats and 11 tugs operating across the River Forth and Tay.

19 February 2024                                          -Ends-

*The pilot vessel is commanded by a Coxswain and crew, who are experts in small boat handling. They take pilots to and from ships in sometimes challenging conditions, but always with safety being the number one priority. Pilot vessels are specially designed for the job and are designed to work in a challenging environment. The majority of vessels over 40m length will need a Pilot. The type of vessels will range from small coasters, container vessels through to cruise vessels and very large crude carriers (VLCC). The Forth Pilots are expert mariners, with specialised local knowledge and ship handling skills. Once on board they will liaise with the Master and bridge team, taking control of the conduct of the navigation. They will guide them safely into port through the lock gates, to a berth at a quayside or to one of the anchorages in the river.

**Designed by Camarc Design and built by Holyhead Marine. The pilot boats are 16.6m in overall length with a hull of 15.9m and breadth of 5.3m. The boats will each be fitted with a pair of Scania DI13 units developing 550bhp @ 1800 rpm complete with Twin Disc “Quickshift” MGX-5136SC Gearboxes and readily achieves a maximum speed of 24 knots at MCR with full load. They have a range of 270 nautical miles at 18 knots. The vessel is certified to the MCA Code of Practice for Safety of Small Workboats and Pilot Boats as a Category 2 Pilot Boat.

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, Forth Ports is announcing 18 exciting new Modern Apprenticeship opportunities for 2024 across our UK ports.

The roles include apprenticeships within Engineering, Finance and Operations and will offer valuable on-the-job training whilst also studying towards a professional qualification.

For any aspiring individual keen to join an organisation that’s focused on its people, has a genuine commitment to Net Zero and enables a supportive & collaborative working environment, Forth Ports wants to hear from you.

Please register interest via the links below.

www.forthports.co.uk/careers/vacancies

www.forthports.co.uk/careers/apprenticeships

A consortium of four Scottish renewable and maritime companies have been awarded a UK Government Department for Transport grant of over £535,000 to develop an innovative UK-first approach that will use clean, green hydrogen energy to reduce carbon emissions from vessels when berthed in port.

Supported by Forth Ports, the highly innovative trial will see the large tugs operating out of The Port of Leith powered by green hydrogen when tied up. The green hydrogen will be produced from wastewater from a nearby water treatment works.

The year-long trial, run by partners Forth Ports, Waterwhelm, Logan Energy and PlusZero, will deliver a state-of-the-art demonstrator system for green hydrogen shore power which marine vessels can use when they are berthed, removing the need for the diesel-powered systems which are currently in use on some quaysides.

The project draws together leading Scottish innovation and technology with sustainability expertise from the water, energy and transport sectors, and will be the first of its kind to be demonstrated at a UK port – leading the way for a circular economy approach to port decarbonisation across the country, particularly in remote locations or areas where a connection to the main electricity grid is not available.

Alasdair Smith, Commercial Director of Targe Towing, part of the Forth Ports group, said:

 “This is an exciting project for Forth Ports and Targe Towing as we work towards our commitment to reduce carbon emissions across Forth Ports group operations by 2032, and becoming net zero by 2042.

 “Our tug fleet currently uses diesel-powered generators to provide electricity when tied up in port. This new green hydrogen system shows how tugs or other vessels can be completely emission-free whilst berthed.

 “The project will also serve to widen our knowledge and experience of working with hydrogen, which provides a foundation for future endeavours towards a net zero future. We look forward to starting this project with our partners in the Spring.”

 Using specialist water treatment technology provided by Waterwhelm, fresh re-use water will be made from wastewater from the treatment works site in Seafield, Edinburgh, which will then be used to produce hydrogen at Leith Port.

Dr Richard Wood, Research and Developer Manager and Engineer from Waterwhelm said:

 “Following a successful feasibility study, we are delighted to be partnering with Forth Ports, Logan Energy and PlusZero to deliver a combined state-of-the-art demonstrator system at the Port of Leith for the production, storage and utilisation of green hydrogen to supply green shore power.

 “Waterwhelm’s system will utilise waste heat and waste water to produce re-use water for the process – a new, innovative approach which is much needed to support the drive for decarbonisation whilst reducing the upcoming demand on local water networks.”

 Green hydrogen specialist partners Logan Energy and PlusZero will 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 will split the re-use water into oxygen and hydrogen.

The hydrogen will then be used as a clean fuel for PlusZero’s combustion engine which will generate green electricity to provide shore power for the tug boats when they are in port, replacing the need for polluting diesel generators.

 Bill Ireland, Chief Executive Officer of Logan Energy said:

 “Hydrogen-based solutions can play a pivotal role in decarbonisation and achieving net-zero targets both in the UK and globally.  We’re honoured to be part of this consortium that can develop one such application where our innovative solutions can benefit UK industry.

 “Logan Energy’s fully integrated system approach will take green energy and Waterwhelm’s clean water supply and produce, compress, and store hydrogen for the purpose of powering PlusZero’s equipment, without producing any emissions.  This will be a key demonstration within the marine sector that can be easily replicated elsewhere.”

David Amos, Managing Director at PlusZero said:

“There is a huge amount of momentum behind hydrogen as an accelerator to the global energy transition. PlusZero’s ready-to-go clean power solution replaces the need for polluting diesel generators across multiple sectors of the economy – construction, events and production, and the industrial sectors.

 “We are delighted to be demonstrating the true promise of this technology alongside our partners and Forth Ports, a company which is already leading the way in making Scotland’s renewables future a reality.”

The 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 £206m initiative focused on developing the technology necessary to decarbonise the UK domestic maritime sector.

 The UK Government Department for Transport Maritime Minister Lord Davies said:

“Unlocking a sustainable maritime sector and the economic growth it provides relies on cutting edge technology to propel it to the next level. The voyage to sustainability demands bold investments to not just deliver greener shipping but highly skilled jobs across the UK.

 “Transformative solutions can help shape the future landscape of the maritime industry and support jobs in coastal communities.”

26 January 2024                                                                          ENDS

The Forth Ports team welcomed over a hundred senior people from the offshore renewables sector to the Port of Leith yesterday to showcase the development of Scotland’s newest bespoke offshore renewables hub.

The day was a pre-conference activity as part of the annual Scottish Renewables conference being held this week (25/26 January) in Glasgow. Forth Ports is the UK’s largest provider of offshore wind marshalling facilities with over 1million sq.m. capacity across their ports in Leith, Dundee, Rosyth and Tilbury.

Forth Projects, part of the Forth Ports’ offer to the offshore wind sector, provides infrastructure support through its engineering-led heavy lift and heavy transport capabilities.

For more information contact the team on: marketing@forthports.co.uk

The Port of Tilbury Police team have all successfully completed and achieved a nationally recognised advanced first aid qualification for the first time. The Level 3 award in First Response Emergency Care is an intensive training course which builds on previous first aid training. The course equips police officers with the knowledge and practical competence to deal with a range of prehospital emergency care situations.

The role of a port police officer is as varied as the area they police, and an important part of the role is to attend and deal with medical emergencies or incidents requiring a first aid response.

 Chief of Police Matt Bass said ‘It is extremely important that my team is able to provide the best response possible to medical incidents within the port and deliver a high level of care until the Ambulance Service arrives. We are also occasionally called upon to assist in the local community with medical emergencies and ensuring we have the right training and equipment allows us to provide an enhanced response and truly make a difference until the Ambulance Service arrives at the scene’

 The 5-day training course requires all officers to pass a number of theory and practical assessments covering a variety of topics from basic life support, airway management and oxygen therapy to administering medical gases or dealing with trauma injuries.

 Paul Dale, Asset and Site Director from the Port of Tilbury said: “The Port of Tilbury Police team are a vital part of the port and it is also reassuring to know that the whole team is trained in emergency response care and that the vital equipment that could save a life is on site. Well done to all the police team for achieving this qualification.”

10 January 2024                              – ends –

Generous employees at the Port of Tilbury have donated around 100 gifts to Changing Pathways, just in time for Christmas. The port has been supporting the local charity for over a decade with people from across the busy port providing gifts for adults and their children to open on Christmas day.

Changing Pathways is a charity who work across the areas of Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point, Rochford, Thurrock, Harlow and Epping Forest.  The charity’s two refuges provide safe accommodation to adults and their children who are experiencing domestic abuse and are unable to stay in their own homes or access alternative safe accommodation. Changing Pathways provides refuge accommodation for up to 46 adults and their children, including 16 self-contained flats for adults and their children who are ready to move on from the refuge, who have older children or have a level of need which requires self-contained accommodation.

Paul Dale, Asset and Site Director at the Port of Tilbury said: “The team at the port have once again shown their kindness and generosity to Changing Pathways and I want to thank everyone who donated a gift this year. This is always a tough time of year for a lot of people and we hope that the gifts will bring a little festive cheer.”

21 December 2023                                         -Ends-