Thames Freeport partners have welcomed the Chancellor’s announcement – made during his Budget – that it will be able to begin operations from November. Commenting on the news:

Ernst Schulze, UK Chief Executive of DP World: “This is exciting news for Thames Freeport, our
customers and the local community. Freeport status has already begun to turbo-charge one of the
largest urban regeneration projects in Europe at London Gateway.”

Charles Hammond OBE, Chief Executive of the Forth Ports Group (owner of the Port of Tilbury and Tilbury2): “Thames Freeport opens a new chapter for the development around the growing logistics cluster at Tilbury. Focused on high value, good quality jobs and high productivity business growth in processing, manufacturing and clean logistics, the years ahead will be an exciting for the Port of Tilbury as we continue to build on our record of delivering new port terminals and premier freight solutions for London and the South East.”

Martin Everitt, Plant Manager at Ford UK in Dagenham: “As we move into our tenth decade of operation, the freeport will boost Ford Dagenham – London’s largest manufacturing site – as the company continues to evolve and grow its advanced technology solutions for passenger and commercial vehicles.”

Thurrock Council Leader, Cllr Rob Gledhill: “Today’s announcement is amazing news for the whole of Thurrock, as well as future generations for years to come. It will generate more than £4.5billion in new public and private investment, create more than 21,000 new jobs, with significant investment in infrastructure, skills and communities.

“A Thames Freeport means access to new and high quality jobs and better training opportunities that in turn will lead to higher wages. It will come hand in hand with health and cultural benefits for our residents and Thurrock will be more attractive than ever to investors, businesses and entrepreneurs. The Thames Freeport is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to unlock fresh opportunities and drive change and I would like to thank the government for once again recognising Thurrock’s potential.”

Cllr Mark Coxshall, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Strategic Planning and External Relationships: “Thurrock has always been a hotbed for innovation and industry and today’s announcement that the Thames Freeport will be formally designated cements our status as the ports capital of the UK.

“The Thames Freeport will unlock countless opportunities for residents who live and work in Thurrock, and will deliver lasting prosperity including thousands of new jobs and social benefits on our doorstep. Whether you’re a resident, local business, an investor, education provider or an entrepreneur with a new idea, Thurrock is open for business.”

Cllr Darren Rodwell, Leader of London Borough of Barking and Dagenham: “We are delighted to see the Thames Freeport formally designated. This is a hugely promising project, not only for Barking and Dagenham, but also for the wider Thames Estuary and London economy. The Thames is the lifeblood of the capital and it’s exciting to see trade restored to the river, but this project offers more than simply opportunities for business; it will also offer local residents of all ages job openings and the chance to increase their skills and training. Barking and Dagenham has always been a borough at the forefront of industrial development and, as the Thames Freeport becomes a reality, our borough – alongside our partners – will once again help lead a new industrial revolution that will kickstart the economy of the freeport region.”

ENDS

‘It’s like nothing else you have driven in your life’

Straddle Carrier Drivers are a vital part of the operations of the busy London Container Terminal at The Port of Tilbury, but not many people know just what it is like to be the driver of these tall, specialist machines.

The port has today issued a new behind the scenes video which hears from their straddle drivers and trainers about their experiences of driving these 55ft high, 70 tonne machines and showcases the opportunities for people to join to port in this very unusual driving role. [Watch the video here: https://vimeo.com/637042603/91eba29620]

Straddle carriers are used in container ports around the world and are a distinctive piece of machinery which moves containers which arrive by ship and transports them either onto trucks or rail for their onward journey. The Port of Tilbury has 36 straddle carriers and handles around 300,000 containers each year and there are job opportunities available now for new drivers. The port has a bespoke training programme for new straddle drivers who use the company’s new training simulator to help prepare them for this highly skilled role.

Michelle Primrose, Group HR Manager for Forth Ports said: “There are many highly skilled job opportunities at the Port of Tilbury and we wanted to showcase the role of a straddle carrier operative. This is a unique role in the ports industry and we are recruiting for our busy container terminal. Even if you have only ever driven a car before, this could be an exciting opportunity to develop new skills supported by our training and logistics academy.”

Paul Dale Asset and Site Director for the Port of Tilbury said: “As our port continues to grow, we have lots of exciting job opportunities for people who are seeking a career in logistics. I would encourage anyone interested in working with us to get in touch.”

For more about careers at Forth Ports and current vacancies, click here: https://forthports.co.uk/careers/

21 October 2021                                                      – ends-

The Port of Leith welcomed the arrival of eight onshore wind turbines. In collaboration with heavy lift specialists Collett Transport, the turbines arrived aboard the 108 metre EEMS Dublin cargo ship into the Edinburgh port from Esbjerg in Denmark.

Using the port’s multi crane lifting equipment and experienced quayside team, the 64 turbine parts including blades and tower sections were taken off the vessel and transported by Collett’s specialist vehicles to the port’s onsite, bespoke renewables storage yard.

Kenny Williamson, Deputy Port Manager at The Port of Leith said: “It is great to see the Port of Leith busy with onshore renewables. Projects like these demonstrate our flexibility and capability to handle renewables project work. Working with the team at Collett, this ensures that we are able to move the large parts safety from the quayside to our new renewables lay down area. It is an exciting time for the port as we focus our attention on creating our Renewables Hub* for offshore projects too.”

Commenting on the project, Jack Collett, Renewables Director from Collett Transport said: “As abnormal load specialists, there are a many influences and considerations to take into account when deciding the best partnerships to support the handling and transportation of heavy cargo. The Port of Leith has a proven capability in handling similar projects and deliver an excellent service. By operating out of Leith, it provides us with excellent port facilities and an ideal transport link from the port to the A1 motorway network. Our friends at the port have been most welcoming and we look forward to working together more closely in the future.”

*The Port of Leith announced in May 2021 ambitious proposals for the creation of Scotland’s largest and best located renewable energy hub on a 175 acre site at the Port of Leith – supporting Scotland’s economic recovery and energy transition plans and the achievement of Scotland’s net zero carbon emissions targets. The £40m private investment will see the creation of a bespoke, riverside marine berth capable of accommodating the world’s largest offshore wind installation vessels.

29 September 2021                            – ends –

Two local students who won the opportunity to start a career in engineering following a competition run by The Port of Tilbury and the Gateway Academy, are now ready to take up apprenticeships at the busy port.

In 2019 the port teamed up with the Gateway Academy in Tilbury to run a competition that opened up the prospects of a career in engineering to young students. Following a rigorous review process by the team at the port and presentations by the students, Dylan Rannigan and Charlie Johnston came through as the winners.

Now with the support of the port, both Dylan and Charlie have successfully completed a Level 3 Engineering National Diploma at South Essex College and are ready to start their new apprenticeships in the port.

Peter Ward, Commercial Director at The Port of Tilbury said:  “A career in engineering is an excellent and rewarding role for many people and at the Port of Tilbury we cannot function efficiently without our team of expert engineers. This competition has really shown us that we have some really great talent in our local communities and young people who are keen to learn and work hard.  My congratulations to Dylan and Charlie for their hard work at college and we look forward to having them as part of the Port of Tilbury team.”

Dylan Rannigan said: “When you have the goal of a job to work towards it makes you focus more and gives you a purpose. This really helped while I was at college. The Port of Tilbury is offering me a job and is also investing in my learning so I can become the best at what I do.”

Charlie Johnston said: “The competition opened doors and put me on a learning journey straight from school. This really helped me decide what I wanted to do and now I have guaranteed job with The Port of Tilbury with so many career options. I am excited to get started.”

Kevin Sadler, the CEO of the Gateway Learning Community [GLC] said: “The partnership between the GLC and the Port of Tilbury is part of a wider strategy to transform learning opportunities across Tilbury and Chadwell helping our young people to ‘reach for the sky’. One tangible outcome of this is the support that the Port has given to targeted young people at the Gateway Academy who were identified in Year 9 as potential engineers of the future. 

 These young people have been supported financially and through mentoring and coaching to achieve this. Dylan and Charlie have completed their further education and are now on the cusp of securing highly prized engineering apprenticeships.  It’s a magnificent achievement and testament to the collaboration between two major Tilbury organisations.”

For more about careers at Forth Ports and current vacancies, click here: https://forthports.co.uk/careers/

21 September 2021                                                 – ends-

The London International Cruise Terminal, located at The Port of Tilbury, warmly welcomes the arrival of the Disney Magic cruise ship this week as passengers begin their “Disney Magic at Sea” UK staycation sailings.

The magnificent vessel arrived into London’s nearest deep-water terminal today (14 September) and will call again at selected dates until 1 October [see images with this release].

Featuring enchanted entertainment, the Disney Magic cruise ship will sail 2- and 3-night voyages from London Tilbury. The brand-new, limited time sailings provide guests the opportunity to experience the magic of Disney Cruise Line close to home.

Commenting on the arrival of Disney Magic, Steve Lyons, Head of Cruise for Capital Cruising said: “It is very exciting to the welcome Disney Magic to the London International Cruise Terminal. Our cruise terminal has been given the Disney’ magic treatment and passengers will enjoy their experience from the moment they arrive at our terminal. We look forward to welcoming the vessel back for a number of calls over the next month.”

Disney Cruise Line is implementing multiple layers of health and safety measures considering guidance from the U.K. government, health authorities and medical experts. This includes requiring guests 18 years of age and older to be fully vaccinated, COVID-19 testing, health screenings, face coverings, reduced guest capacity, physical distancing and enhanced cleaning, among other measures. More details regarding these measures will be available prior to booking.

14 September 2021                            – ends –

It’s official – Leith’s new Community Fund has been incorporated as a Scottish charity. The new Fund, which will be governed by Forth Ports and The Leith Trust, aims to support projects that are important to the local community of Leith.

Forth Ports has seed funded the Trust with a significant contribution of £200,000 and is now actively inviting other businesses in the area to support and contribute to this important community fund.

Once launched later this year, the Fund will provide support for the work of local charities in the local Leith area with particular emphasis on projects tackling isolation or loneliness, enhancing the local area or providing educational opportunities for local people.

Commenting on the establishment of the Fund, Charles Hammond OBE, CEO of Forth Ports, said: “Forth Ports is proud to be part of the Leith community and we are committed to supporting Leith for the long term. Like most communities, we know there are always local issues that need funding, and we hope that the establishment of this Fund, with our seed funding of £200,000, will help to make a difference.

“This has been an incredibly tough time for everyone as we all navigate through the global pandemic and we see this as a great opportunity for the community of Leith to decide themselves how the money is spent.

“We will be speaking to businesses in Leith over the coming months to encourage them to support and contribute to the Fund.”

Sir Andrew Cubie CBE, Chair of The Leith Trust said: “This is a significant announcement for Leith and I greatly welcome the leadership shown by Forth Ports in priming the Community Fund. All of us involved will work hard to encourage others to contribute as the purposes of the Fund will be of significant value to the Leith community. The impact of the pandemic has slowed the establishment, but anticipating a formal launch later this year, we would be pleased to hear from those, who might in whatever way, be interested in lending support.”

Once launched later this year, the Fund will focus on supporting projects in the following areas:

• education and the development of youth skills and training programmes for people of all ages
• community development
• financial hardship
• countering loneliness or isolation
• support further the relief of domestic violence

The Leith Community Trust is a registered charity in Scotland and will be Governed by The Leith Trust and Forth Ports.

14 September 2021                    – ends –

Following the success of the Port of Tilbury’s Recruitment day in June, a group of 12 apprentices have joined the port after a competitive interview process.

The group of young people have now started their two-year apprenticeship which includes full training and accredited qualifications giving these new candidates the opportunity to gain skills and qualifications to work across all areas of the fast growing port.

During their first week they have got straight down to business, starting with a company induction including a focus on health and safety and a tour of the large port estate. They were all kitted out with personal protection equipment before getting into the driving seat of a forklift truck as part of the training for the novice operator licence. The training team at the port’s bespoke Logistics Academy have been impressed with how well the group are working after only one week.

Paul Dale Asset and Site Director for the Port of Tilbury said: “The Port of Tilbury Operations Apprenticeship gives young people a great insight into working in all areas of our diverse port. With on-the-job training, we are supporting a new generation of skilled workers that will be part of the Port of Tilbury for years to come. It has been a tough time for many young people recently and it has been great to see their enthusiasm and keenness to do well as they begin their career with us.”

For more about careers at Forth Ports and current vacancies, click here: https://forthports.co.uk/careers/

6 September 2021                                                   – ends-

Forth Ports has today (6 September) announced plans to fully repair the Category A Listed Victoria Swing Bridge located at the Port of Leith to conserve the bridge for the future and create a useable space for the local community.

The private six figure investment will see the bridge, which is the largest counterweighted swing bridge in Scotland, fully repaired, with a phased programme of specialist works which will protect the character and form of the bridge.

Forth Ports’ plans are outlined in a Listed Building Consent application which has been lodged with City of Edinburgh Council (CEC). The proposed repair programme is to be carried out in phases and includes:

• 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

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 (NB: see Notes to Editors for more detailed information).

Following receipt of Listed Building Consent from the Council, Phase I – the refurbishment of the north and south pedestrian walkways – is expected to be undertaken this year, with the remaining work anticipated being undertaken in 2022. Pedestrian access to the bridge for the local community will be maintained for the duration of the works.

Commenting on the project, Charles Hammond, Group Chief Executive at Forth Ports, said: “The Victoria Swing Bridge is a well kent sight in Leith and it is an important and rare surviving example of our heritage. The plans we have submitted to the Council have been well thought through and will ensure that the repairs are appropriate for the conservation of this important landmark.

“We want to also create a useable space for the local community and we hope that once the bridge has been restored, people will be able to enjoy this historic space.”

6 September 2021                              – ends –

Independent energy consulting firm, Wood Mackenzie, has this morning (17 August)  published a research paper recommending that the Firth of Forth become a Net Zero hub for Scotland – https://www.woodmac.com/press-releases/firth-of-forth-net-zero/

Forth Ports owns a number of the ports on the Forth Estuary including at Grangemouth, Leith and Rosyth and has welcomed the Wood Mackenzie paper.

Charles Hammond OBE, Group CEO at Forth Ports, said:

 “Wood Mackenzie’s report and conclusions are timely and incisive. At Forth Ports, our vision is to create a Greenport ‘Hub’ and ‘Green Growth Corridor’ at the heart of Scotland that delivers a just and practical energy transition to meet the UK and Scottish Governments’ Net Zero and Energy Transition targets.

 “We want to collaborate with the whole of Team Scotland to create new, high quality green energy jobs that will enhance Scotland’s Central Belt industrial powerhouse while tackling deprivation around our ports, contributing to the levelling up of the large industrial areas in our coastal communities. This is already under way in Leith where we have announced a privately financed £40m investment in a renewable energy hub at the port.

 “These industrial areas must play a vital role in facilitating the country’s Net Zero and Energy Transition ambitions and creating new, high quality green energy jobs. We want our ports in the Forth Estuary to assist Scotland in achieving its carbon reduction targets by supporting offshore wind development and working with industry and stakeholders to deliver new, low carbon fuels and technologies, such as hydrogen and carbon capture.”

17 August