Forth Ports is to name its newly-constructed deep water riverside berth at the Port of Leith – designed to host the world’s largest offshore wind construction vessels – the Charles Hammond Berth, in honour of the company’s former Chief Executive who stepped down from the role in June, after 23 years at the helm.

The news was revealed to staff by his successor, Stuart Wallace, in an all-company video following a successful marine trial of the berth last week. It hosted the 88,500 tonne Carnival Legend cruise ship – the largest vessel ever to berth at the Port of Leith – in an exercise that was executed successfully.

Stuart Wallace, Forth Ports’ CEO, said:

“Since taking on the CEO role at the start of July this has been the easiest decision I’ve faced. 

“It was Charles’s vision to build the infrastructure, first in Dundee then here in Leith, to meet the needs of the offshore wind sector, ahead of the market. 

“This vision lives on, not just in his name but as we create Scotland’s largest renewable energy hub right here in Leith, helping Scotland and the UK achieve their net zero ambitions.”

Built to accommodate the world’s largest offshore renewables support vessels, Leith’s outer berth is scheduled to be completed and handed over later this month. The berth features 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.

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.

There will be an official opening ceremony for the new berth in the coming months.