Forth Ports’ busy container ports in Grangemouth and Tilbury welcomed their new low emission Kalmar straddle carriers this week as part of a multimillion-pound investment in equipment for the Group’s key container terminals. The 12 straddle carriers were shipped from Kalmar’s facility in Poland aboard the specialist vessel the MV Aura which delivered five to the Port of Grangemouth and then sailed down the east coast to the London Container Terminal (LCT) in Tilbury with the remaining seven machines. [NB: see images shared with this release]

 The 12 carriers are the Kalmar ESC440 model is fitted with the latest low emission engine technology which is capable of accommodating a transition to alternative non fossil fuels, the use of alternative fuel types will provide the opportunity to significantly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. They have a 40-tonne load carrying capacity capable of handling the full range of container sizes. The carriers will be fitted with Verified Gross Mass (VGM) weighing capability to weigh the containers. For the straddle carrier driver, the cab is fully air-conditioned and on colder days, it has the latest air suspension heated seat.

The 12 new straddles are part of the Group’s equipment replacement programme. The current fleet at LCT is 36 and 16 in Grangemouth.

Stuart Wallace, Chief Operating Officer said: “Our container terminals in Tilbury and Grangemouth are key shipping and distribution locations and it’s essential that we keep investing in our equipment and infrastructure to ensure that we continue to deliver industry leading service provision. We are always impressed with Kalmar’s straddle carriers and these are our straddle of choice.  These new straddles form part of our multimillion-pound investment in our two busy container ports in Grangemouth and in Tilbury.

We strive to ensure that our customers benefit from our investment and see improved turnaround of vessels, efficient landside service as well on-site access to warehousing and key road and rail links. Upgrading our machinery and plant to low carbon alternatives is at the core of the Forth Green Freeport decarbonisation plan.  It is also a central focus for our operations in Tilbury and across the Thames Freeport.”

Forth Ports is a growing business and they are currently recruiting for a range of roles across the group. For more information on this please go to the career page on the website: Vacancies | Forth Ports

03 November 2022                         -Ends-

Four local primary schools took part in events with the Port of Tilbury as part of Maritime Week to raise awareness about the vital role that the port and marine sector has on our daily lives.

Young children from Landsdowne Primary Academy, Gateway Primary Free School, Tilbury Pioneer Primary and Herringham Primary Academy – which are all part of The Gateway Learning Community in Thurrock – were part of presentations from the port which gave them an insight into how the port operates and some of the interesting machines used to move containers and cargoes from ships. The interactive events encouraged the children to ask lots of questions and they had a drawing activity too.

The port also challenged the children’s creative minds with a competition to think of a name for one of the port’s new harbour cranes which will arrive into the port next year. The winning name will be announced soon and the winning school will receive a prize of lego.

 Commenting on the events, Lucy Emma Harris, Community Liaison Manager at the Port of Tilbury said: “We had a brilliant time talking to the children from the four primary schools this week. They were all really engaged and interested in how goods were imported and exported at the port as well as the local heritage and the port’s connection with the Windrush generation. It’s maritime week so it was a good opportunity to talk to the next generation about the sector and the vital role that it plays and also the career opportunities for them when they get older! My thanks to the schools and the GLC for being part of this.”

14 October 2022                            -ends-

• Babcock International, Forth Ports Group and Scarborough Muir Group outline their transformative vision for the internationally renowned port, shipbuilding, manufacturing and logistics cluster at Rosyth.
• It includes plans for a new freight terminal, offshore renewable manufacturing and green power generating capacity. It will also enable development of large scale advanced manufacturing, skills and innovation onsite, alongside a proposed new rail freight connection. This vision and the associated economic and community benefits will boost Fife and the wider region, if the decision to designate the Forth as a green freeport is secured.

The consortium behind the bid for a Forth Green Freeport unveiled their vision today (10 October) for the major enhancement of the Rosyth port and waterfront areas within Fife.  Babcock International, Forth Ports Group and Scarborough Muir Group’s sites within Rosyth and Burntisland, have the potential to deliver £1bn of investment and an estimated 7,000 new direct green jobs assuming business case approval in the new year.  This will come from the development of nearly 150 hectares of land at Rosyth, identified as part of the prospective Forth Green Freeport.

Working with Fife Council – and other bid partners including City of Edinburgh Council, Falkirk Council, Edinburgh Airport and INEOS – the Forth Green Freeport will deliver high quality green manufacturing and logistics jobs, repurposing existing assets and driving new skills to accelerate a just transition to a low carbon future.  The new, high-quality employment at Rosyth and Burntisland will build upon the existing business supply chain and sector expertise and will help drive regeneration of Mid Fife and beyond, with each port job estimated to be 50% more productive and 40% better paid than the average wage (UK Major Ports Group, 2022).

Newly created Green Freeport jobs at Rosythmainly serve activity such as shipping logistics, advanced manufacturing and shipbuilding, in addition to the assembly of offshore wind and low carbon energy generation.  This will aim to deliver sustainable, inclusive economic growth along the Firth of Forth.  It is a corridor with proven skilled labour markets, business expertise and identified sites, including those at Rosyth, Burntisland and Energy Park Fife in Methil.  Job growth at Rosyth will generate employment and supply chain opportunities beyond the Fife Council area to City of Edinburgh and Falkirk Council areas respectively.  It is expected that Burntisland will be a sister port facility to the newly created Renewables Hub at the Port of Leith, providing further deep water access and local supply chain capability as offshore wind deployment accelerates, with energy and low carbon growth creating new employment opportunities.  Developments at the Port of Rosyth will enhance Scotland’s international connectivity and export capacity through a brand new freight hub.

The Forth Green Freeport bid proposes specific tax and customs sites within Fife at Rosyth and Burntisland, respectively. These are depicted in the enclosed to illustrate the transformational change that accelerated economic growth could have within Fife.  Other identified locations and infrastructure across South West Fife and Mid Fife are also set to benefit and form a key part of the Forth Green Freeport bid.  It was submitted to the UK and Scottish governments for assessment on 20^th June 2022, and in summary seeks to re-industrialise Scotland, create large scale economic development, boost local supply chain growth, skills development and create a world-class manufacturing cluster.  The bid has the potential to generate 50,000 new green jobs across Scotland and act as a catalyst for new green technologies and renewable energy manufacturing, unlocking £6 billion of private and public investment for the country.

The Forth Green Freeport builds on the Port of Rosyth’s strategic position adjacent to the M90, the Queensferry Crossing and national rail network.  Charles Hammond OBE, CEO of Forth Ports Group, commented: “Scotland needs to boost its international connectivity and our plan for new freight hub and rail terminals will offer manufacturers and shippers a fast-track route to global and European markets directly via the North Sea.  Our plan builds upon the recent DFDS announcement, which aims to see the return of a direct daily freight ferry route to northern Europe from Scotland, while offering an alternative to the congested Dover Straits and reducing dependence on road transport, while boosting trade.”

The vision for Rosyth also builds on the recent success at Babcock’s Rosyth facilities.  David Lockwood, CEO Babcock International Group PLC, said: “The Green Freeport would enhance the multi-million pound investment in infrastructure, digitisation and skills at Babcock’s Rosyth facilities over the last decade and underpin our large-scale manufacturing capabilities. It would also complement our work with partners through the Arrol Gibb Innovation Campus – a global centre of excellence for large-scale advanced manufacturing, offering access to the latest industrial techniques and technology, innovation advice and skills development.” 

Ronnie Muir, Director of Scarborough Muir Group, said: “Scotland is on the cusp of a green revolution, with offshore wind providing the catalyst for new, high-quality manufacturing and engineering employment along the Firth energy coast.  

“Queensferry One is one of Scotland’s largest and best-connected strategic employment sites. Located on the Firth of Forth, the 120-acre development site provides an established hub for businesses in the green energy sector looking to scale their operations or improve supply chain efficiencies across the Central Scotland and beyond.

 “Working with the Rosyth’s industrial cluster and innovation partners, Queensferry One will play a major role in delivering the green energy and low carbon logistics objectives of the Forth Green Freeport, while boosting the nation’s trading position.”

On 17^th July 2022, the Danish-owned ferry operator, DFDS, signed an agreement with Ptarmigan Shipping to investigate the possibility of a new freight ferry route between Rosyth and the Belgian port of Zeebrugge. Next year, freight services are targeted to resume.

 Link to animation here: https://vimeo.com/758268395

10 October 2022                                 – ends –

Scottish Parliament politicians have today (05 October) given their backing to the Forth Green Freeport bid which has the potential to generate up to 50,000 new green jobs and act as a catalyst for new clean technologies and renewable energy manufacturing in Scotland. The ambitious bid proposal which was submitted in June 2022 to the Scottish and UK Governments, will make a significant contribution to the re-industrialisation of Scotland, unlocking £6bn of private and public investment.

Regional list and constituency MSPs who cover the bid’s geography area signed their support at the event in Holyrood [NB: see images attached with this release]. A Forth green corridor will be created as part of the bid submitted by a consortium comprising both private and public organisations – Forth Ports; Babcock; Edinburgh Airport; INEOS; Scarborough Muir Group; and Falkirk, Edinburgh and Fife Councils, have committed to delivering the bid’s vision.

Stuart Wallace, Chief Operating Officer of Forth Ports Group who met the group of MSPs today in Edinburgh, said: “A Forth Green Freeport will accelerate large-scale investment in new infrastructure, technology and skills training to catapult Scotland’s just transition to a cleaner and greener future.

 “After receiving strong backing from our local authority partners, private businesses and education providers, it’s great to see so much support for our bid across all five political parties.

 “This is an unmissable opportunity to support the delivery of the country’s net zero ambitions. Our politicians are giving their backing to a bid that will enable Scotland to reduce emissions while creating technologies and jobs for the future.

 “Along the Forth corridor, there will be billions of investment for renewable offshore wind, alternative fuel manufacturing and our ship building industry, which will reindustrialise Scotland and spread the benefits of trade widely into the communities that need it the most. Our committed consortium is confident that a Forth Green Freeport will deliver a radical transformation for the Firth of Forth and Scotland.”

 Northern Edinburgh and Leith MSP, Ben Macpherson said: “As the constituency MSP for the Port of Leith, I support the Forth Green Freeport bid, together with other local parliamentary colleagues. This ambitious proposal has the potential to deliver even more local opportunities, as the port develops into a renewables hub, and to help accelerate a just transition to a greener future. It would also create more job opportunities in Scotland’s growth industries like offshore wind manufacturing, with a commitment to pay at least the Real Living Wage, and indirectly support other sectors of the local economy.”

Falkirk East MSP, Michelle Thomson said: “Scotland cannot decarbonise without a strong development pathway for the industrial cluster at Grangemouth and along the Forth Estuary. Whether it’s a switch to more sustainable fuels or the development of a hydrogen economy, the plans put forward by INEOS, Forth Ports and others will accelerate Scotland’s just transition to a greener future, while protecting jobs, developing skills and offering new opportunities for future generations. That’s why I back the bid.”

 Miles Briggs MSP for the Lothian Region said: “Scotland needs the private sector to invest at scale to decarbonise our economy and that’s why I back the bid for a Forth Green Freeport. If selected, Scotland will have a huge green development platform at Leith to drive up UK manufactured content from the ongoing offshore wind revolution, while creating a legacy that leaves Scotland with a more secure energy supply with genuine export potential. This, coupled with the exciting development plans at the airport, will leave us better connected as we forge new partnerships around the globe.”

 The bid proposal for a Forth Green Freeport was submitted to the Scottish and UK Government in June 2022 and a decision is expected in the coming weeks on the winning locations of two Green Freeports for Scotland.

 The bid encompasses three key ports on the Forth (Grangemouth, Leith and Rosyth); industrial facilities and logistics centres along the north and south shores of the Firth of Forth; and Edinburgh Airport. Together they create an ambitious and attractive green investment zone which is focused on the Forth but will have a much broader impact across Scotland. The bid is supported by Falkirk Council, Fife Council and the City of Edinburgh Council who will all continue to play an integral part in the preparation of the Forth Green Freeport and, if successful, its eventual delivery.

Photo caption: MSPs and Forth Green Freeport bid partners come together today outside the Scottish Parliament to back the bid.

Highlights of the FGF bid:

• Forth Green Freeport will act as a catalyst for the re-industrialisation of Scotland, creating economic development for the whole of the country
• Delivering a just transition to Scotland’s net zero targets
• Potential to create 50,000 new green jobs
• 550 hectares of development land
• Local jobs in communities of high deprivation will support levelling up
• A Skills Accelerator Fund focused on skills development for young people and harder to reach communities
• Unlocking £6 billion of private and public investment into productive and resilient industries
• Generating a £4 billion boost in GVA (Gross Value Add)
• Built on a collaboration by committed partners who share the vision for a green growth corridor in the Forth Estuary. All partners are committed to the Fair Work principles and pay Real Living Wage.

05 October 2022                              – ends –

The Port of Tilbury, London’s fastest growing port, announces 40 new career positions which have been created as a result of new business growth working with a global brand in fast moving consumer goods.

The new roles include warehouse supervisors and operatives. All roles offer career and skills development opportunities for adults of all ages.

Commenting on the recruitment Paul Dale, Asset & Site Director said: “The Port of Tilbury is continuing to grow and diversify. We have secured new customers for our business which has opened up 40 new career opportunities.

 We are building a strong team to ensure we can deliver a great service for our customers and to ensure that the port continues to thrive.

The port has been in operation for over 135 years and many of our people have enjoyed long careers with us. I encourage anyone who is interested, to get in touch and find out about the opportunities at The Port of Tilbury.”

For more information about the positions available and careers at Forth Ports, click here: https://forthports.co.uk/careers/

The port is holding a recruitment day at Tilbury Cruise Terminal on Friday 14^th October for anyone to attend. It is a drop-in session between 9-12 and 2-6pm. For more information, please email careers@potll.com

29 September 2022             – ends-

The majestic Emerald Princess sailed up the River Forth into South Queensferry this week marking the 100^th cruise call for Capital Cruising which welcomes cruise liners into its ports in Leith, Rosyth, Dundee and deep-water anchorages at Newhaven and South Queensferry.

Rob Mason, Head of Cruise for Capital Cruising in Scotland said: “Cruise is back in full swing and today’s Emerald Princess’ visit into South Queensferry marks our 100^th cruise call which is an important milestone for our 2022 cruise season.

The cruise business is a major economic boost for Scotland and the local areas where the liners call, with many local businesses and attractions benefiting from the tourism spend.

We have welcomed 25 inaugural visits from cruise liners this year across our ports and anchorages in Scotland and across our Group we are expecting to welcome nearly 200 cruise vessels which is encouraging news as people return to cruise.”

Earlier this year Capital Cruising hosted the prestigious Cruise Europe Conference with around 200 influential cruise executives from around the world attending the largest cruise event ever to be held in Edinburgh. Scotland is a major draw for the cruise market, Edinburgh in particular is a ‘must-see’.

The Port of Tilbury’s Grain Terminal has completed major construction works with the commissioning of ten, 30 metre tall, steel silos and a flat store with a combined storage capacity of 36,000 tonnes.

The metal silos will be filled and emptied using a new 650 tonne per hour transfer conveyor system. The conveyor also serves as an automated filling system for the 16,000 tonne flat store which has a direct delivery system to two customer flour mill sites. Once fully operational next month (September), the combined silo and flat store facility returns the terminal’s total on site storage to 100,000 tonnes.

Works are also under way to replace the concrete silo and this is due for completion in December 2023. The new concrete silo will add a further 34,000 tonnes of automated storage, underpinning the grain terminal as the UKs largest import/export grain handling facility.

Peter Ward, Commercial Director at The Port of Tilbury said: “We are extremely pleased to start the commissioning of our new metal silos and high-speed conveyor system. Coupled with the construction of the concrete silo, the Grain Terminal will be back to full capacity on one site this year.

“Our terminal is a key facility in the South-East of England and an essential part of the UK agricultural supply chain for imports and exports and benefits from the full multimodal services at the Port of Tilbury including river barge transportation into central London.”

The Tilbury Grain terminal has been in operation for over 50 years and is a key strategic facility in the South-East of the UK for the grain import and export markets handling over 2million tonnes of product from around the world. Grain is a key commodity in the UK food supply chain for a number of uses, most notably within the flour milling and bakery industries. The terminal also operates a monthly coastal shipping service from Tilbury to its sister port in Kirkcaldy, Scotland for Carr’s Milling.

*The fire at the grain terminal was in July 2020 and damaged the silo tower and some other equipment. No one was injured.

31 August 2022                              -ends-

The Port of Tilbury’s well known Chief Police Officer, James Poulain is retiring in September following a 38-year career with the police service.

After seven years of dedicated service to the Port of Tilbury, James is hanging up his handcuffs for the final time when he retires on 2^nd September 2022.

James spent 31 years in the Metropolitan Police, concluding his time in the force as Inspector working within Taskforce on the Territorial Support Group, before joining the Port of Tilbury Police as its Chief Police officer in 2016.

Tilbury one of the UK’s largest ports which manages a diverse range of activities from container cargo to cruise ships and James quickly forged strong and positive relationships with the port community and its stakeholders. James was instrumental in introducing the community policing model to the Port of Tilbury which enabled the force to share best practice in areas such as intelligence gathering, crime prevention and incident response creating a hostile environment for those who seek to be involved in criminality.

Paul Dale, Asset & Site Director at the Port of Tilbury said: “We have also enjoyed working with James over the past 7 years and I personally want to thank him for his solid support and dedication to the port. James’ role across the port was wide and diverse but he always found time to be part of community engagement activities and was always keen to be involved at our open days and other community events.

James is a very popular colleague with his police team and our wider port community and he leaves behind a positive lasting legacy as he enjoys his well-earned retirement.”

Commenting on his career, James Poulain, said: “It has been an absolute privilege to finish my policing career at the Port of Tilbury. With the support of the Tilbury Senior Management Team and the professionalism of my staff together we have had a major impact on reducing crime and making the Port a hostile environment for criminals. I would thank all the partner agencies who have assisted in this goal. Finally, I would like to pay tribute to all those officers who tirelessly commit themselves to front line policing.”

The Port of Tilbury welcomes a new Chief of Police Matt Bass who joined the team in August from the British Transport Police where he served for 19 years finishing as head of recruit training for the force. Matt brings a wealth of experience from his previous Police service including, response policing, counter terrorism firearms policing, crime scene examination, civil protection, recruit training, and disaster victim identification.

Paul Dale said: “We warmly welcome our new Chief of Police, Matt Bass who has joined us and is settling into his new role. It is an exciting time for the Port of Tilbury as we continue to invest and grow to support customer demand. Our police team provide a vital service for us both within the port and in the wider community.”

Inch Cape Offshore Limited has selected the Port of Dundee as the pre-assembly and marshalling site for the construction of the 1.1GW Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm, which will be Scotland’s largest offshore wind project when commissioned later this decade.  The agreement will see turbine blades, towers and nacelles, which house the turbine generators, being delivered to and pre-assembled at the port’s Renewables Hub before being shipped out for installation 12km off the Angus coast.

Dundee has been chosen after a competitive selection process due to its proximity to the project site, coupled with its unrivalled storage and assembly capacity and purpose-built quayside facilities.

The offshore wind project will be Scotland’s largest single source of renewable power when built and will feature the tallest turbines ever deployed in Scottish waters, with consent for tip heights of up to 291 metres.

Inch Cape Offshore Limited has reserved the entire Renewables Hub at the port, equivalent to 28 football pitches, from March 2025 to March 2026, with around 50 staff expected to be on site over that time.

Adam Ezzamel, Project Director, said, “Inch Cape will be the largest single offshore wind project built in Scotland, and we are delighted to be working with the Port of Dundee on the construction phase of this exciting development.

“The port is ideally-sited for our construction operation and offers us the area we require for the number – and sheer scale – of the turbines we will be deploying.

“Offshore construction is a specialist area and the Port of Dundee offers us a management team with the experience and capability to deal with the logistical challenges that have to be managed during our construction phase.

“After successfully securing a Contract for Difference earlier this summer, this latest contract award is another important step towards us delivering the project – and generating low cost, renewable power for consumers across Great Britain.”

David Webster, Director of Energy at Forth Ports (owner of the Port of Dundee), said, “This is a very significant project for The Port of Dundee as we establish Forth Ports as the partner of choice for the renewable energy sector in Scotland.

“We have built Scotland’s only custom-built renewables hub at the port which, when coupled with Dundee’s proximity to the project site in the North Sea and the natural deep waters of the Tay, makes the port ideally suited to the requirements of this major contract for Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm.”

Councillor John Alexander, Leader of Dundee City Council said, “The Port of Dundee is an incredibly important asset, not only for the city but for the renewables sector more generally. It’s strategically very well placed to support and deliver key pieces of the infrastructure that the UK will require in the future.

“Today’s announcement is a clear vote of confidence in the quality of the infrastructure here and I’m delighted that Inch Cape has selected Dundee as a critical part of the delivery of the largest offshore windfarm in Scotland.

“The scale of this project is unrivalled, with a level of ambition which is set to redefine offshore wind. Inch Cape’s success is our success, and everyone benefits from the delivery of this 72-turbine project so I’m very much looking forward to seeing the Port continuing to be a hub for this type of activity.”

29 August 2022                                                 ENDS

INEOS at Grangemouth endorses the bid to establish the Forth Green Freeport

• The Forth Green Freeport will sustain a prosperous industrial and manufacturing sector,
  provide high quality employment and deliver economic benefit to the country
• Andrew Gardner, CEO and Chairman at INEOS Grangemouth: “We are proud to be part
  of the bid consortium that brings together key public and private sector organisations
  with a shared goal, to deliver a just and fair transition to net zero in the region, along
  with the vision to reindustrialise and create economic development for the whole
  country.”

In backing the bid for the Forth Green Freeport, INEOS recognises the important and significant
role this region has to play in achieving the Scottish and UK Governments’ net zero targets. The
bid will bring together key partners who are ideally placed to facilitate and accelerate investment
into the region together with addressing and tackling the challenges that lie ahead to achieve a
just and fair transition to net zero.

INEOS is already playing its part, delivering on the fundamental elements that underpin and
complement the Forth Green Freeport bid and in providing good quality jobs at its Grangemouth
site. Forward planning and investments are already in place via our established ‘Road Map to net
zero’. This includes the construction of a new energy plant, an investment in hydrogen production
that will see a new hydrogen hub in the region along with a focus on improved manufacturing
operations and research and development that is delivering new ranges of polymers with
increasing amounts of recycled content.

We have created investment-ready space within our industrial estate that will be attractive to third
party businesses with the Forth Green Freeport providing a fiscal and favourable investment
environment to encourage third parties to invest, bringing with it renewed prosperity to the region.

In welcoming the Forth Green Freeport bid, Andrew Gardner, CEO and Chairman at INEOS
Grangemouth said, “We are proud to be part of the bid consortium led by Forth Ports Limited. The
bid brings together key public and private sector organisations with a shared goal, to deliver a just
and fair transition to net zero in the region, along with the vision to reindustrialise and create
economic development for the whole country. The bid has the potential to create an ambitious and
attractive green investment zone, which is focused on the Forth but will have a much broader
impact across Scotland, including creating 50,000 new green jobs, providing skills development for
young people and creating local jobs in local communities for local people.”