Forth Ports, the UK’s third largest ports group, has boosted its award-winning learning and development team with the appointment and promotion of Simon Harper to Group Learning and Development (L&D) Manager and Natalie Dalgleish to L&D Manager leading the team in Scotland.

Simon Harper has been promoted to Group L&D Manager, taking on responsibility for the L&D teams across the Group which operates eight ports in Scotland and The Port of Tilbury on the Thames.  Simon’s role will see him develop and deploy a more digitally enabled Group L&D strategy, that includes greater use of Artificial Intelligence such as simulators and virtual reality, to future proof Forth Ports’ employees’ skills and capabilities to meet the challenges of a more technology focused post BREXIT/COVID world. Simon has worked with Forth Ports for 15 years in previous L&D roles in Tilbury.

Natalie Dalgleish has been promoted to L&D Manager reporting to Simon Harper. In her new role, Natalie will lead the L&D team in Scotland and oversee the launch of a new learning management system, management and supervisory programmes and a refresh of the annual review process. Natalie has worked with Forth Ports for three years in L&D positions in Scotland.

Forth Ports operates two onsite skills and training centres at The Port of Tilbury (which includes a fully immersive simulator training suite) and The Port of Grangemouth which offers bespoke training programmes for employees from apprentices, operations and management. They also operate training sessions for customers in the port and the local community through partnerships with the local colleges.

Commenting on the appointments, Michelle Primrose, Group HR Manager, said: “At Forth Ports we know the value of ensuring that our people have the skills and experience to deliver an excellent service for the business. Our onsite skills centres in Tilbury and Grangemouth have state of the art training facilities and talented tutors which ensure that all levels of people across the Group have the opportunity to develop their skills in the best learning place. Simon and Natalie are experts in their field and I am confident that they will successfully lead this important part of our business.”

Forth Ports is extremely proud of its record on championing skills and education development and its long-term commitment to support the local communities around its ports with its ‘local jobs for local people’ skills training strategy. Forth Ports has developed very strong partnerships arrangements with local schools and colleges, and actively collaborates with local authorities, regional and government bodies supporting people into employment through its skills and training initiatives.

From those ‘furthest from the jobs market’ in disadvantaged communities to our veteran community, Forth Ports plays a vital role in skilling up and supporting people into work through the employability skills training programmes ‘Access to Logistics’ and ‘Routes to Logistics’.

The Group has invested in two dedicated award-winning learning centres – Logistics Academy East of England in Tilbury and the Skills & Business Centre in Grangemouth – recognising the need to ensure the delivery of quality technical skills training not only for its own workforce, but that of its customer base and the local communities that the ports serve across the UK. Offering a range of learning opportunities from numeracy and literacy, technical skills and apprenticeships through to Leadership development, this investment allows the Group to deliver skills programmes more aligned to the business and community needs.

22 March 2022                                               -Ends-

The London International Cruise Terminal, London’s nearest port, located at The Port of Tilbury, this week welcomed the arrival of Virgin Voyages new cruise liner, the Valiant Lady. This magnificent vessel is the largest cruise ship ever to visit the berth.

She will be berthed in Tilbury for a few days for a series of private events to showcase the brand-new vessel before starting her European cruise sailings.

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, London’s River Bus, will be providing the cruise transfer services for guests, fans and media between London Bridge City Pier and Tilbury. It takes only one hour to travel comfortably by river from London maximising the use of the Thames for cruise transfers into the capital.

Commenting on the arrival of the Valiant Lady, Steve Lyons, Head of Cruise for Capital Cruising said: “We are thrilled to welcome the Valiant Lady on her inaugural visit to the London International Cruise Terminal. She is an impressive ship and the largest cruise vessel we have handled here at the terminal. Following a challenging two years for the cruise industry, we are all looking forward to welcoming cruise liners and passengers back into Tilbury this year.”

Geoff Symonds, Chief Operating Officer at Uber Boat by Thames Clippers said:

“It’s exciting to see cruise liners coming back to The UK and this is a great opportunity to showcase London as a cruise destination. Transfers by river into the heart of the capital from Tilbury within the hour via high-speed ferry will demonstrate how accessible London has become for the cruise industry.”

11 March 2022                                    – ends –

Michelle Thomson, MSP for Falkirk East, visited Forth Ports’ Skills and Business Centre at The Port of Grangemouth meeting with apprentices from across the business to mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week (7-11 March).

Forth Ports delivers its Scottish apprenticeship programmes through their award-winning Skills and Business Centre located in the port of Grangemouth. The apprentices ‘earn and learn’ blending academic learning with practical experience delivered through simulator and virtual reality technology along with hands on experience to develop their skills over either 2-year or 4-year periods, in specialisms such as engineering, port operations, procurement, finance, management and marine.

In Scotland, Forth Ports currently employ 16 Modern and Graduate apprentices, predominantly from the Grangemouth and Falkirk area and are recruiting a 2022 intake as part of business growth plans.

The apprentices have also had the opportunity to be involved in initiatives such as the Grangemouth Net Zero Challenge delivered by Fuel Change social enterprise, bringing innovative business ready ideas to low carbon solutions to assist the business and wider industries in the transition to net zero.

Ms Thomson met four Forth Ports apprentices, who delivered a Climate Change Programme presentation. She also met with representatives from Forth Valley College and Skills Development Scotland.

The success of Forth Ports apprentice programmes can be measured by the number of former apprentices now holding senior positions across the Group.

Stuart Wallace, Chief Operating Officer at Forth Ports said: “We are very proud of our apprenticeship programmes at Forth Ports which enable people to develop the skills and experience to go on to have flourishing careers with us or in the industry. We have a successful track record of retaining apprentices at the end of their programmes, with the overwhelming majority offered full-time employment within the Forth Ports Group. There are many career opportunities with us, right across the business from roles in engineering, business and marine so I would encourage anyone thinking about a career in this industry to get in touch.”

 Calum Green an Electrical Engineering Apprentice, who is from Falkirk said: “Forth Ports have a structured apprenticeship that moulds you into a competent and skilled member of the squad. Work is also tailored to you depending on where more development is required. Being an apprentice at Forth Ports, there are endless opportunities for development even beyond your trade. The Fuel Change challenge I was recently involved in is a great example of this. I feel Apprenticeships work as they combine various areas of learning from theory while at college to the practical application of this theory while within the place of work.”

Michelle Thomson MSP said: “Apprenticeships are crucial in modernising Scotland’s workforce. Our young people have the ability and talent to really take Scotland forward, and I am pleased to be able to visit Forth Ports and speak to some of their apprentices.  We know that young people prefer to have options available to them. Apprenticeships work for our young people, they bring a huge advantage to our economy and will ultimately help in our recovery from the pandemic. Speaking to some of the apprentices gives me confidence that the Scottish Government, the employers and educational establishments like Forth Ports and Forth Valley College, are on the right course to strengthen our economy and give our young people the best chances for their, and our future.”

Skills Development Scotland Chair and Scottish Apprenticeship Advisory Board Co-Chair Frank Mitchell: “When it comes to supporting sustainable skills through workforce development or providing opportunities for young people, we know that apprenticeships work. The combination of commitment from employers and the backing of Scottish Government will ensure apprenticeships work for everyone, making a significant contribution to Scotland’s recovery and productivity growth.”

Forth Ports is committed to increasing the employment and career opportunities for people and communities that our ports serve utilising our Skills & Business Centres. We develop our own workforce along with that of our customers, supply chains and local communities offering a range or learning opportunities from numeracy and literacy through to Leadership development to ensure we support Scotland and the UK with developing the future skilled workforce it needs.

The Scottish Apprenticeship Week tag line is #apprenticeshipswork. See more here: https://www.apprenticeships.scot/scottish-apprenticeship-week/

8 March 2022                                      – ends –

Forth Ports, in conjunction with Teuchters Landing, has submitted plans to the City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) for the refurbishment of the Category A-Listed Rennie’s Isle Swing Bridge located at the Water of Leith to conserve the landmark and bring the bridge back into use for the community.

The proposed programme of repair and refurbishment for the well-known bridge in Leith will ensure its structural integrity for the future, preserve its appearance and make it accessible for the community as a walkway.

The works will also create the opportunity for part of the bridge area to be utilised as an outdoor seating space as part of the Teuchter’s Landing public house located in Dock Place. An Application for Change of Use has been submitted to CEC for this purpose.

The swing bridge, named after the prominent Scottish engineer John Rennie, was constructed around 1800 as part of the design of Leith docks. Along with the nearby Victoria Swing Bridge – whose full refurbishment is already under way – these bridges were a key part of Rennie’s design of the docks in the 1800s.

The proposed refurbishment works for Rennie’s Isle Bridge includes: replacement of the timber structure, redecoration, installation of bollards, removal of trolley rails and installation of metal detail, installation of protective mesh and new timber blocks below existing railing uprights.

Commenting on the project, Charles Hammond, Group Chief Executive at Forth Ports, said: “The swing bridges in Leith are historical landmarks in the area and we are pleased to be able to submit plans to preserve Rennie’s Isle Bridge for the future. There is a great opportunity to create not only a usable walkway but also to create an attractive outdoor space at Teuchter’s Landing.”

John Tindal, Director of Teuchters (Edinburgh) LTD said: “We are very excited to bring the bridge back to its former glory, working closely with Forth Ports, allowing 24-hour access to the bridge which will be of huge relief to the local community and allowing us to utilise the bridge with very attractive and unique additional seating to our outdoor area with table service.”

25 February 2022                            – ends –

About Rennie’s Isle Bridge:

The Old Docks, at the East entrance to which sits the present Rennie’s Lock Swing Bridge, were constructed between 1800 and 1817 by John Rennie. The present bridge is thought to have replaced an earlier timber swing bridge, however there is conflicting information on the construction date of the current iron bridge. While it is certainly to John Rennie’s design, broadly identical to those installed by John Rennie at the West India Docks in Wapping, London in 1804, it is not clear whether the one at Dock Place was installed by John Rennie himself during construction of the Old West Docks between 1810 and 1817, or whether it came later. John Rennie was a prominent Scottish civil engineer and he was also involved in the design of Leith docks, the Royal Ireland Canal, the Crinan Canal, Waterloo Bridge, London Bridge and the breakwater at Plymouth Sound amongst other notable structures.

Known modifications were made to the capstans and manual winch by James Leslie in 1846, and some sources suggest it was around this time that the present iron bridge was constructed circa. 1850. The bridge is 15 ft wide in two halves giving a clear span of 35 ft 6 in. with a skew of approximately 858. The overall length is 87 ft 3 in. The deck is timber with wrought-iron handrails and iron cart-wheel channels. Structurally the bridge is a three pin arch with six cast-iron ribs. It is opened by raising pivoted sections of the arch members adjacent to the springings by means of winches built into the deck; this frees the two halves of the bridge to rotate in plan. The drive mechanism is operated through capstans turning pinions which engage with racks fixed to the swing sections below road level.

 About the Victoria Swing Bridge:

The construction of the Albert Dock (1862-1869) and Edinburgh Dock (1874-1881) to the East end of Leith Harbour made it necessary to provide an efficient road and railway route between docks on the East & West sides of the harbour and led to the construction of the Victoria Swing Bridge from 1871 to 1874. It was designed by Alexander Rendel, with alterations by Peter Whyte in 1896, and includes a pump house to the north. Rendel and Robertson Engineers also worked on both the East side docks throughout this period. The contractors for the foundations were McDonald & Grant and, for the bridge, Skerne Iron Works (late Pease, Hutchison & Co., Darlington who made the ironwork).

The Victoria Swing Bridge is constructed of riveted wrought-iron, timber and steel and carried a double rail track along its central deck whilst also providing vehicular access across its timber deck and pedestrian walkways to each side. Its girders, with an overall length of 212 ft and clear span of 120 ft, are made of wrought iron and the clear roadway width is 24 ft. The gross weight is 620 tons, including 60 tons of timber and 240 tons of kentledge counterweight which was, but is no longer, lifted and easily turned by means of hydraulic rams operated by the hydraulic power station [that was previously] located adjacent on the bank of the Alexandra Dry Dock. Its clear span is said to have been the largest of any swing bridge in the United Kingdom until the opening of Kincardine Bridge in 1937. The bridge remains the largest counterweighted swing bridge in Scotland. The bridge was closed to vehicular traffic in the mid-1990s. The timber deck of the bridge was renewed in 2000, on completion of which it was reopened to the public.

The Victoria Bridge is owned by Forth Ports Limited and is listed Category A by Historic Environment Scotland as a structure of national importance.

The bridge is currently undergoing a full repair programme by Forth Ports including:

• The full refurbishment of the northern and southern walkways
• Re-decking the central carriage way
• Replacement of the decked turning circle areas
• A full repair and repaint of metalwork on the bridge

In response to the announcement by the UK and Scottish governments that they have agreed to issue a joint applicant prospectus to establish two Green Freeports in Scotland, Forth Ports – which owns and operates seven ports on Scotland’s East coast and the Port of Tilbury, which is part of the recently-announced Thames Freeport  – has issued the following statement.

Stuart Wallace, Chief Operating Officer at Forth Ports, said:

 “We welcome the announcement by the UK and Scottish governments of the forthcoming bid process for two Green Freeports in Scotland and confirm that we plan to participate in this process. 

 “A Firth of Forth Green Freeport will catalyse the decarbonisation of Scotland’s major industrial cluster, creating 50,000 new, high-quality jobs in renewable energy, manufacturing, sustainable fuels and construction.

 “Building on our first-hand experience of freeports, we plan to create an ambitious set of programmes to harness the regeneration benefits of this economic policy.  The legacy of our green freeport will be the creation of large-scale green manufacturing industries with significant export potential and a sustainable fuel cluster, alongside major upgrades to infrastructure and skills development among young adults to ensure a Team Scotland approach as the UK transitions to a decarbonised future.”

14 February 2022

As part of this year’s National Apprenticeship Week (7-11 Feb) The Port of Tilbury, the UK’s fastest growing port, awarded ten apprentices with their Level 2 Warehousing & Distribution Apprenticeship certificates following the successful completion of a two-year course.

All ten apprentices worked hard throughout the pandemic restrictions to play their part in ensuring the uninterrupted flow of food, medicines and constructions materials.

The Warehouse and Supply Chain Operative Apprenticeship programme has been running since 2016 with 70 apprentices (aged between 18 – 24) now having successfully completed this apprenticeship. There are currently 18 apprentices on the programme undertaking their Level 2 apprenticeship qualification.

The apprentices develop their skills over a 2-year period and every one of the apprentices have been kept on in full times roles across the port.

Paul Dale, Asset and Site Director at The Port of Tilbury said: “Our apprentices are our future and at The Port of Tilbury, we are very proud of our programmes which ensure people have the skills and experience to go on to have long careers with us in a variety of roles. Presenting the certificates to our seven successful apprentices this week, we recognise their hard work during the challenging two years and also we celebrate their achievement as all of them exceeded 75%. My congratulations to you all.”

 The apprenticeship programmes are delivered through The Port of Tilbury’s bespoke award-winning Logistics Academy located at the port which has access to a state-of-the-art Technology Suite housing two simulators that are used to develop plant operation skills for example, container handling.

9 February 2022                               – ends-

Forth Ports Limited (“Forth Ports”) and OM Heavy Lift (“OMHL”) are pleased to announce today (9 February 2022) Forth Ports’ acquisition of OMHL.

This acquisition further enhances Forth Ports’ ability to offer an attractive, full-service package for offshore renewables projects, providing marine services; quayside infrastructure and land; and now, with OMHL, heavy lift plant and logistics solutions.

OMHL is a well-established, professional project engineering company that has worked closely with Forth Ports on a number of large-scale projects in the renewables and decommissioning sectors. Based in Dundee, OMHL’s wide range of experience and unrivalled fleet of specialist heavy lift plant – including the UK’s largest permanent quayside crane – will work across Forth Ports’ Scottish operations, including the ports of Leith, Grangemouth, Rosyth and Dundee.

OMHL will continue to be led by Managing Director, Alex Fyfe, who will work directly with David Webster, as the newly appointed Director of Energy for Forth Ports.

Charles Hammond OBE, Group Chief Executive of Forth Ports, said:

“Today’s news is another important strategic move for Forth Ports as we secure our place in the offshore renewables sector, following the recent announcement of the ScotWind leasing round. We are investing significantly in Dundee and Leith to create an attractive offering for offshore renewables which will support the country’s transition to net zero. The acquisition of OMHL, coupled with that of Targe Towing, places Forth Ports in a strong position to play a leading role in supporting Scotland’s offshore renewables future.”

Alex Fyfe, Managing Director of OMHL, said: “This is an exciting new chapter for OMHL as we combine our skills and expertise with the broader Forth Ports business. We have a strong relationship with the Forth Ports team that we look forward to developing further in the fast-growing offshore renewables market.”

David Webster, Director of Energy for Forth Ports said: “With the OMHL team coming on board, we can now offer a complete, integrated service solution for offshore renewables customers, anywhere within our ports business in Scotland, from marine towage right through to quayside cranage and laydown land.”

Ends                                                                                                               9 February 2022

The Port of Dundee welcomed the arrival of the 177-metre long deep sea vessel the Ha Long Bay with her cargo of 12,000 packs of plywood on board (see image with this release).

The large cargo vessel sailed up the Tay direct from the far east (China) and is one of the largest cargo vessels to be handled at the busy port. The 12,000 packs of plywood were discharged in record time by the expert port team who completed the job in just 15 days.

The large shipment of plywood is destined for UK construction projects around the country.

Commenting on the project, David Webster, Director of Energy for Forth Ports said: “We are used to seeing large rigs in The Port of Dundee, but it is unusual for the port to handle such a large vessel direct from the far east. Vessels like the Ha Long Bay are normally frequent arrivals at large London ports however with the Tay’s deep water, our upgraded quayside facilities and available land, we were able to berth and discharge the ship in record time.”

1 February 2022                               – ends –

The Port of Tilbury welcomed Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP to the UK’s newest port today [31 January] to officially open Tilbury2.

Visiting the Thames-based port, the Prime Minister was given a tour of the country’s largest freight ferry terminal, the site of what will become Britain’s biggest construction processing terminal and new border infrastructure, alongside meeting the port’s key workers, apprentices and customers like P&O Ferries and Tarmac.

On the two year anniversary of the UK leaving the EU, the Prime Minister was given an overview of the technology-backed systems that streamline clearing the border, such as number plate recognition, and the 12-bay Border Control Post, which will house government agencies making physical checks.

Built and operational during the height of the pandemic, the port terminal handles containers and trailers with exports and imported goods, including food, drink and medical supplies to and from continental Europe on P&O Ferries’ busy Tilbury-Zeebrugge freight route. The site also handles Tesco’s new refrigerated train service to Scotland’s premier freight hub at the Port of Grangemouth.

Tilbury2 is a £250m investment by Forth Ports Group on a former power station site spanning 160-acres. When fully operational in two months’ time, Tarmac’s construction materials terminal (CMAT) will use a bespoke 2km long aggregates conveyor system and a railhead capable of taking the longest freight trains at 775m, meaning construction materials can be delivered efficiently from vessel to the terminal for processing before moving onto building projects and public infrastructure schemes like HS2 without the use of heavy road haulage.

The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, said: “It was an honour to officially open Tilbury2, the UK’s newest port, and meet with key workers and apprentices on site.

 “Freeports are driving trade, investment and jobs right across the country and helping to capitalise on our newfound Brexit freedoms.

 “It is hugely welcome to see the Port of Tilbury going from strength to strength, benefiting not only businesses and workers but also the wider Thames Gateway region”.

 Commenting on the visit and official opening of Tilbury2, Charles Hammond OBE, Chief Executive of Forth Ports, said: “Tilbury2 is a national success story. British financed and British built for a rapidly growing British company and delivered during the height of the pandemic.

 “The burgeoning logistics cluster at Tilbury has been boosted by Thames Freeport status and is primed to be part of global Britain’s future as we look to drive forward sustainable growth, with manufacturing, next generation logistics and clean energy generation at its heart.”

                                               -ends-

Forth Ports, which owns and operates eight commercial ports in the UK and is the country’s third largest port operator, has announced three new leadership roles as it restructures its senior team to reflect the increasing importance of its ports in the offshore renewables sector and the general supply chain.

David Webster has been appointed as Director of Energy.  David will be responsible for integrating Forth Ports’ energy team in Scotland with a view to building on Forth Ports’ strong market position in the energy sector, and in particular, offshore renewables. David will report directly to CEO, Charles Hammond, and will retain his existing responsibilities as Senior Port Manager responsible for the ports of Dundee and Leith, where Forth Ports is currently constructing a £40m offshore renewables hub.

Ross McKissock has been appointed as Director of Unitised, responsible for integrating the commercial team on unitised container and trailer cargo across the Group and growing volume. Ross will retain his responsibilities for running London Container Terminal and will continue to report to Paul Dale, Asset & Site Director at the Port of Tilbury.

Derek Knox has been appointed as Head of Operations Scottish Ports. Derek will have strategic and operational responsibility for delivering quality performance and maximum efficiency across Forth Ports’ Scottish Ports. He will retain his specific responsibilities as Senior Port Manager at the Port of Grangemouth, Scotland’s largest container port, and Forth Ports’ Fife ports, including the Port of Rosyth. Derek will continue to report to Stuart Wallace, Chief Operating Officer.

Commenting on the new senior roles, Charles Hammond OBE, Chief Executive of Forth Ports, said: “These new senior positions come at a key time when we are focusing our business on the important areas of offshore renewables, containerised cargo and a resilient supply chain. As a group we are investing significantly across the business in these areas including our bespoke renewables hubs in Leith and Dundee and our freeport freight hub in the Thames.

 I have worked with David, Ross and Derek for a number of years, and I am confident they will make an even stronger contribution to the continued development of Forth Ports in their new roles.”

 27 January 2022                                          – Ends –