Local community turn out in force to the Port of Tilbury’s Open Day celebrations

Wednesday 13th May 2026

 The Port of Tilbury’s annual community Open Day, held on Saturday 9th May was a big success with hundreds of local people joining the port team at the London Cruise Terminal for a day of celebration in the sunshine.

 

A day of free events proved very popular and attendees were treated to vintage bus tours of the port and ecology site tours of Tilbury2. Also, as part of the multimillion-pound restoration of the Railway Station, the community were invited to a behind the scenes, hard hat tour of the works to see for themselves the scale of the project which is due for completion next year.

 

The Open Day also included a makers market, food and drink stalls, fairground games, performances by local singing community groups – Starmakers Choir and Arts Outburst, and a chance to see the port’s plant and machinery up close. Stallholder’s fees were all donated to local charities.

 

Paul Dale, Chief Operating Officer from Forth Ports and Chair of Tilbury on the Thames Trust said: “We were thrilled to see so many people come along to the open day at the weekend and we enjoyed showing the community behind the scenes of our busy port. The event team and volunteers did a great job hosting the day and my personal thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make this a big success. I also want to thank the community for joining us and we hope to see you all again next year.”

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Port of Grangemouth celebrates diamond anniversary with investment boost

Thursday 7th May 2026

Scotland’s largest port, Grangemouth is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the first container vessel to call into the UK with a further £8 million investment boost in the port’s infrastructure and equipment.

On the 7th May 1966, the Sea-land freight service called into Grangemouth as part of the Europe and American shipping route transporting mostly Scotch whisky for onward travel to the USA. Grangemouth was the only UK port in the rotation making Grangemouth’s container terminal the first port in the UK to handle goods in this way, with the subsequent development of containerisation changing the way cargo was transported around the world.

Sea-land launched the transatlantic container ship route in April 1966 with four ships in service, each carrying 226 containers with cargoes of cameras, safety razors and pre-fab housing complements. The weekly route was the first transatlantic ship carrying only containers and called at Port Elizabeth, New Jersey, and Baltimore, Maryland, in the US, then Rotterdam, Bremen and Grangemouth.

Over the past 60 years, the port has developed through significant investment and is now Scotland’s largest container port and logistics hub covering an area of 402 acres employing 280 people and is home to 32 businesses within the port. The port is a multimodal facility and is primarily an export port moving Scottish goods to global locations.  Since 1966, the container terminal has handled in excess of 4.2million containers and today its operations manage more than £6 billion worth of goods each year including food and drink, construction products and renewables.

To mark the anniversary, the port is planning to hold a port open day for the community and are working with schools on a project involving the local young people helping the port to name their new harbour crane.

Commenting on the diamond anniversary, Derek Knox, Regional Director, Scotland said: “This is a significant milestone in the history of the port of Grangemouth. Over the past 60 years the port has changed and adapted to meet the changing needs of our customers and markets through investment in not only our infrastructure and equipment, but in our skills. Grangemouth has grown to become Scotland’s largest container port and logistics hub and makes a major contribution to the economy of Scotland. We look forward to continuing to play our part in Scotland’s success for the next 60 years!”

Craig Torrance, Asset Manager for the Port of Grangemouth said: “Grangemouth has changed significantly over the past 60 years from the size of vessels, a move to more sustainable handling equipment, health & safety priorities and people skills. A stevedore from 60 years ago would not recognise the port of today although some things have not changed, we still maintain the same customer focus that we did all those years ago and we still export a lot of whisky from Grangemouth!”

Also happening 60 years ago in 1966:

  • The BBC began to broadcast in colour
  • Harold Wilson was the UK Prime Minister
  • The first credit card was launched in the UK
  • The last UK concert by the Beatles
  • James Bond’s Thunderball was the number one box office film
  • Manfred Man’s Pretty Flamingo was number one (on 7th May 1966)
  • And England won the football world cup!

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Forth Ports presented with Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Bronze Award

Monday 4th May 2026

Last week (28 April), Forth Ports was presented with an Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Bronze Award aboard one of two tall ships, crewed by a rotating team of 70 serving and former Armed Forces personnel and hosted by the Port of Leith as part of the Full Circle sailing expedition.

Back in March, Forth Ports began its journey as an official Forces-friendly employer by signing the Armed Forces Covenant during a visit aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth in Rosyth, pledging a comprehensive package of support for serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families.

Michelle Primrose, Chief People Officer and Chris Monteith, Asset Manager, Port of Leith received the Award from Commander Mark Fitzsimmons, Chief of Staff to Naval Regional Commander Brigadier Andy Muddiman from the bow of Pellew.

Coordinated by Lowland RFCA’s Defence Relationship Manager Duncan Evans, representatives from Forth Ports were welcomed aboard by the crew and veterans. At the same time, some of our Operations and Engineering Apprentices joined the crew and veterans aboard Spirit of Falmouth to help with routine maintenance.

Commenting on the event, Commander Mark Fitzsimmons, Chief of Staff to Naval Regional Commander Brigadier Andy Muddiman, said: ‘‘Having only taken up this role within the past few weeks, I’m delighted to have the superb opportunity of presenting this award on behalf of Brigadier Muddiman to Forth Ports. Everything that the staff have told me this morning has already assured me that the support this organisation provides to the Royal Navy and the wider Armed Forces is nothing short of exceptional, and that this award is very well-deserved.”

Commenting on the Award, Michelle Primrose, Chief People Officer, said: “I am incredibly proud that Forth Ports has achieved the Bronze Award under the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme. This recognition demonstrates our commitment to supporting members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families. At the core of our organisation is a genuine dedication to our people and the communities we serve, ensuring we continue to be a truly supportive employer. I am sincerely grateful to all our colleagues who have contributed to this achievement and who live our values every day.”

Turn to Starboard and Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 launched Full Circle, a 12-week, 2,000-nautical-mile circumnavigation of the UK by two tall ships carrying the Invictus Games Flag around the UK ahead of Birmingham 2027. Two traditionally rigged tall ships – Pellew and Spirit of Falmouth – are undertaking the journey, calling at 22 ports across all four nations. The voyage will carry the inspirational message of the Games through the Invictus flag as it is carried from Vancouver, Canada to the UK to join the Full Circle team’s expedition, marking a year to the games commencing in Birmingham. The epic adventure began on 17 March 2026, departing from Falmouth and travelling anticlockwise around the UK before returning to Falmouth on 11 June 2026. The journey will build momentum ahead of the official one-year-to-go until Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 event in July 2026. The voyage will highlight the work that Turn to Starboard do using sailing as non-clinical therapeutic adventure as part of a veteran recovery journey. Click the link below to join the fundraising campaign to purchase Pellew: https://fullcircle.turntostarboard.co.uk/

Forth Ports extends its sincere thanks to Lowland RFCA, Turn to Starboard, and the Ship’s Company of Pellew and Spirit of Falmouth for their generous hospitality and for playing such a key role in delivering a truly memorable event.

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Port of Tilbury, GeoPura and Toyota host major hydrogen hub showcase event

Thursday 30th April 2026

Today (30 April 2026), saw over 100 delegates attend a hydrogen showcase hosted by the Port of Tilbury, Toyota and GeoPura at the London International Cruise Terminal, Tilbury, marking the arrival of Energy Observer, the world’s first self-sufficient, hydrogen-powered vessel and floating renewable energy laboratory.

Delivered in collaboration with partners including the Lower Thames Crossing, Briggs Equipment UK, ULEMCO, TCP, Fuel Cell Systems, Intelligent Energy and HYKIT, the event brought together industry representatives, technology providers and policy makers to demonstrate practical hydrogen solutions.

Attendees saw hydrogen production, storage and dispensing technologies in action and explored how these can be adopted across projects, including those already underway at the Port of Tilbury and the Lower Thames Crossing.

The showcase follows a recent agreement between GeoPura and Forth Ports – the owner and operator of the Port of Tilbury – to develop an on-site green hydrogen production facility. This positions Tilbury as the first UK port to support commercial-scale hydrogen for heavy industry and will advance the port’s decarbonisation. It also builds on GeoPura’s landmark agreement to supply green hydrogen to the Lower Thames Crossing, representing the largest volume of hydrogen ever contracted for a UK construction project and enabling significant reductions in diesel use and carbon emissions.

The all-day event involved three rotating sessions showcasing hydrogen technologies and applications. This included guided visits to a co-located hydrogen production facility and nearby Lower Thames Crossing construction activity, alongside opportunities to experience a wide range of equipment and solutions in operation – from hydrogen powered vehicles and generators to refuelling systems and off grid power applications.

Commenting on the event, David Housden, Head of Engineering from the Port of Tilbury said: “The green hydrogen showcase hosted by the Port of Tilbury and our partners shows our collective ambition to deliver innovative low carbon solutions across the supply chain. At Forth Ports we have a strong track record of bringing market-leading solutions for our customers and now through the recent developments in green hydrogen with our on-site partner GeoPura we are moving at pace to integrate hydrogen powered vehicles and on-site power generation in Tilbury.”

Andrew Cunningham, CEO of GeoPura, commented: “From production and storage through to real-world applications, Tilbury and the Thames Estuary is rapidly establishing itself as a leading hub for hydrogen.

“Hydrogen has a critical role to play in how ports operate, from decarbonising dockside activity to enabling shore-to-ship power. It provides clean, reliable energy that strengthens operational resilience, protects air quality for local communities and creates skilled jobs – delivering long-term economic value across the region. Ports and maritime activity have very large energy requirements and will use the electricity grid network to fulfil these wherever possible.  However, in many locations the public grid isn’t sufficient or flexible enough, and then hydrogen can help bridge the gap.

“It’s very exciting to see the ambition in action at this event. Rapid electrical dockside boat charging using hydrogen power marks a significant milestone for the sector and demonstrates what’s possible when grid power isn’t available. Hydrogen infrastructure here at Tilbury as well as at the nearby Lower Thames Crossing construction is the start of a really exciting industrial powerhouse in this region.”

Luigi Ksawery Luca’, Toyota (GB) President and Managing Director, said: “Our participation in today’s events with Energy Observer mooring at the Port of Tilbury and the presentation of our prototype fuel cell Hilux is a perfect illustration of how we are developing hydrogen technologies on our key pillars of fuel cell vehicles, working with business and the creation of hydrogen ecosystems. We believe hydrogen can be a major contributor to a future carbon-neutral society and we continue to forge relationships with partner businesses, focusing on diverse forms of transport and power generation.”

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Port of Grangemouth joins in celebrations for Spitfire 90th anniversary

Friday 17th April 2026

Local Air Cadets gathered at the Spitfire Memorial in Grangemouth to mark the 90th anniversary of the iconic spitfire plane. Joining the air cadets was Squadron Leader Tom McMorrow MBE and Craig Torrance from the Port of Grangemouth which is located near the original RAF training airbase in the town. Grangemouth was home to Spitfire training during WW2.

Forth Ports was one of the funders of the Grangemouth Spitfire Memorial which was created in 2013 to commemorate the trainee Spitfire pilots who learned to fly the plane in Grangemouth at the beginning of WWII.

The air cadets, from the local Grangemouth Squadron, were invited to the Port of Grangemouth to hear about the role of the port in the past and how it has grown to become key part of Scotland’s economic success. Cadets were also updated on the company’s recent signing of the Armed Forces Covenant* and the early career opportunities in the port and logistics industry. The cadets enjoyed a port tour, which celebrates its 60th anniversary of the arrival of the first container, to finish the visit.

Commenting on the event, Craig Torrace, Asset Manager, Port of Grangemouth said: “The Spitfire anniversary this week has been a significant event to be part of. Our port has been part of Grangemouth for a long time and we were proud to join Tom and the Air Cadets at the memorial to mark this milestone Spitfire anniversary.

“At the port we are committed to engaging with local young people and through our Armed Forces Covenant, we see for ourselves the value serving personnel, both regular and reservists, veterans and military families contribute to our business and our country.”

*By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, Forth Ports is recognising military skills in recruitment, championing veteran employment, providing flexibility for service spouses and partners, and supporting employees who serve as reservists or cadet force volunteers. Forth Ports also backs national Armed Forces events and charities.

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First Minister of Scotland visits Leith Renewables Hub

Thursday 2nd April 2026

Today (02.04.26), the First Minister of Scotland (FM), Rt Hon John Swinney, visited the Port of Leith to receive an overview of Forth Ports’ investment programme, which spans new renewables and logistics terminals, mixed-use developments, multimodal transport and low-carbon fleet expansion. These initiatives are creating opportunities for data scientists, engineers, mariners, graduates and apprentices.

The visit included a site tour of the Charles Hammond Berth and the 175 acre Leith Renewables Hub — Scotland’s largest renewable energy hub — which, alongside the Port of Dundee, is supporting the delivery of the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm off the coast of Angus.

The First Minister was hosted by Stuart Wallace, CEO of Forth Ports, alongside Derek Knox, Regional Director – Scotland, Asset Managers, Chris Monteith and Callum Hogan. He also met Ewan O’Hara and Mike Roberts from Forth Projects who are delivering the roll-out of renewable energy infrastructure in the North Sea.

Stuart Wallace welcomed the First Minister to the Port of Leith and said: “We were pleased to welcome the First Minister to the Port of Leith to see for himself the major transformation of the port. Developments like the Renewables Hub we’ve built at the Port of Leith help to power the economy and create a balanced sustainable future for us all.”

On his visit to the Charles Hammond Berth, The First Minister said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to be at the Port of Leith and to see the phenomenal amount of involvement that Forth Ports has in the development of Scotland’s renewable energy capability and also to see the investments being made by Forth Ports to enable this to take place is absolutely outstanding. I’m so pleased to see this development, it’s such a boost to Scotland’s economy and such a contribution to realising our ambitions on renewable energy.”

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Capital Cruising season kicks off in Scotland and at the London Moorings

Wednesday 1st April 2026

Capital Cruising’s season in Scotland and at the London Moorings kicks off this week with the arrival of the Viking Neptune into Newhaven, Edinburgh and the Hanseatic Nature into the unique Tower Bridge mooring in London. With around 260 vessels calls due across the UK in 2026, this is set to be a busy season welcoming over 450,000 passengers.

The cruise calendar in Scotland traditionally runs between April and October and this year it will see 159 cruise ships sail into its locations in Leith, Rosyth, Dundee and two deep water anchorages in Newhaven and South Queensferry.

In London, Capital Cruising welcomes cruise calls all year round with the London Mooring season operating in peak season between April and October. 106 cruise ships, from 15 different cruise lines, are set to sail into the Thames this year calling into the historic London Cruise Terminal in Tilbury and the moorings at Tower Bridge and Greenwich. This is a 10% increase from the 2025 season with a further increase expected in 2027. The London Moorings take advantage of the unrivalled location and a rare opportunity to get right to the heart of central London.

Offering access to two globally famous Capital cities in the UK, Capital Cruising’s business opens up both of these popular destinations which are viewed by the cruise market as “marquee” cruise destinations due to the abundance of iconic attractions, events, heritage and culture.

Commenting on the 2026 season, Paul Dale, Chief Operating Officer, Forth Ports, said: “Cruise is an increasingly popular holiday choice and we are thrilled that the 2026 season across our ports and anchorages in Scotland and London are being selected as must visit destinations. 

 “Our business continues to grow with advance bookings already secured for 2030, highlighting a strong future demand. We have many cruise lines returning to our destinations for multiple calls during the season and we are also set to welcome ships for the first time.

 “Our team work collaboratively with the cities, destination partners and the wider cruise industry to deliver a successful cruise season. We know that cruise brings significant benefits to the local and national economy as hundreds of thousands of passengers visit not just the capital cities but local attractions and major events too.”

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Green Hydrogen Production Confirmed at Port of Tilbury in Major Boost for UK Industrial Decarbonisation

Tuesday 31st March 2026

GeoPura and Forth Ports have signed a landmark agreement to produce green hydrogen on site at the Port of Tilbury starting this year. This plant will support the decarbonisation of one of the UK’s most important logistics hubs and position Tilbury among the first major British ports to host commercial-scale hydrogen production for heavy industrial use.

Enabled by £2m of Thames Freeport seed capital, the project will support the decarbonisation of port operations and establish Tilbury as a testbed for low-carbon fuel use in heavy industry.

This project demonstrates how Thames Freeport is using targeted public investment to support innovation in live operational environments, helping businesses adopt new technologies and accelerate decarbonisation across logistics and industrial activity.

Under a 10-year agreement, with an option to extend, GeoPura is developing an initial 1MW low carbon hydrogen production plant at Tilbury. The facility will generate hydrogen via electrolysis which is planned to be powered by on-site solar panels, creating a secure, locally produced supply of zero emission fuel for port operations and the wider Thames Estuary. This will also bring significant investment and skilled green jobs, supporting the skills transition and long-term capability in hydrogen production to the area.

The UK Government has a goal to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Transportation accounts for over a quarter of the UK’s carbon emissions, including heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and non-road mobile machinery. As a major port operator, Forth Ports is looking for new and innovative sustainable solutions to ensure effective energy transition as it works towards its goal to become net zero by 2042.

Tilbury handles millions of tonnes of cargo each year. The diverse operations utilise an array of plant and equipment, including reach stackers, forklifts and HGV tractor units to keep goods moving. Decarbonising these operations presents an opportunity, not only to reduce carbon emissions, but also to improve local air quality and protect worker health.

Andrew Cunningham, Chief Executive Officer of GeoPura, said the Tilbury project builds on the company’s track record of repurposing strategic industrial sites to produce low carbon fuel: “Following on from our work at HyMarnham Power, where we’re transforming a former coal fired power station into a large scale low carbon hydrogen production site, Tilbury is another powerful example of how the UK can use its existing industrial infrastructure to produce renewable fuels for the future.

“It’s great to see the clear commitment of the Port of Tilbury to decarbonise its operations. It’s a perfect location to support hydrogen adoption across the Thames Estuary, improving air quality and creating new high quality clean energy UK jobs.”

The decision to establish the facility comes after GeoPura was awarded the contract to supply 2,5000 tonnes of hydrogen to the Lower Thames Crossing, one of the UK’s most significant infrastructure schemes. The new facility will support the project’s goal of becoming the first major project in the UK to be carbon neutral in construction by replacing over 12 million litres of diesel, and strengthen the resilience of its supply chain by providing a secure, strategically located source of clean fuel to support construction activity at scale.

David Webster, Regional Director –Tilbury, commented: “Forth Ports has a track record of delivering market-leading solutions across low-carbon logistics, sustainable construction and on-site power generation as we pursue our intentionally ambitious goal of becoming a net zero carbon emissions operation by 2042. We are excited to be working with the GeoPura team to deliver green hydrogen generation which represents another significant step on this journey.”

GeoPura brings established production and delivery capability to the project. Through its involvement in HyMarnham Power, the company is already developing large scale low carbon hydrogen production in the UK, alongside its growing fleet of hydrogen power units deployed across construction, infrastructure and broadcast projects nationwide.

Stuart Rimmer Interim, CEO of Thames Freeport, said: “Hydrogen has a clear role in decarbonising heavy industry and logistics. By supporting this demonstrator at Tilbury, Thames Freeport are demonstrating clear leadership in this area and helping create the conditions for wider adoption, new investment and skilled jobs across the region. This project shows how freeport programmes can bring together industry partners to test and scale new technologies in real operating environments”.

This marks the start of the Port’s hydrogen adoption journey, opening up future use cases as hydrogen production scales and demand grows across port operations, logistics and the wider region.

By combining renewable electricity, electrolysis and practical end use applications at Tilbury, GeoPura and the Port are creating a scalable model for industrial decarbonisation. The project will support skilled green jobs in engineering and operations, stimulate the regional hydrogen supply chain and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels.

As the UK advances towards its target of up to 10GW of low carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030, the Port of Tilbury initiative provides a tangible example of how hydrogen can decarbonise critical national infrastructure while delivering measurable environmental and public health benefits.

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Restoration works begin at Tilbury Riverside Station as Tilbury on the Thames Trust celebrates 10 Years of Community Impact

Tuesday 24th March 2026

Restoration works have officially begun at the Grade II Tilbury Riverside Station, marking a major milestone in the Back on Track project, made possible with a grant of over £4 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.  The project has also been financially supported by Forth Ports, The Tilbury Town Fund, Arts Council England and Fowler, Smith and Jones.

 

The project will transform the historic station building on the Thames into a vibrant community hub, featuring heritage interpretation, artist studios and a long-term programme of events and activities for local people.  The works are anticipated to be completed and ready for opening in Summer 2027.

 

The start of the restoration works represents a significant step in reconnecting Tilbury with its riverfront and securing a sustainable future for one of the town’s most recognisable heritage assets.

 

The announcement comes as Tilbury on the Thames Trust (TTT) celebrates its 10th anniversary.  Over the past decade, TTT has secured more than £10 million in external funding, investing directly in projects that celebrate Tilbury’s heritage, support local people and create new opportunities across the town.

 

This progress reflects strong partnership working, including the long-standing support of the Port of Tilbury part of the Forth Ports Group and the Tilbury Town Fund, which has provided vital match funding for the Back on Track project.  Together, these partners are helping to deliver a riverfront destination and a much-needed community facility.

 

As TTT enters its second decade, the Trust remains committed to building on this momentum strengthening partnerships, supporting creativity and ensuring that Tilbury’s heritage plays an active role in shaping its future.

 

Paul Dale, Chair of Tilbury on the Thames Trust and Chief Operating Officer at Forth Ports:
“This is a proud moment for Tilbury. The start of works at Riverside Station represents years of partnership working and community ambition. As the Trust celebrates its 10th anniversary, it’s fantastic to see this transformational project moving forward, one that honours our local heritage while creating new opportunities for creativity, connection and community life. We are grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and to National Lottery players whose support helps ensure historic buildings like this can be brought back to life for future generations.”

 

Steve Drury, Development Director from Rooff Construction Limited, the contractors on site, said: “We are delighted to be working on such an important project for Tilbury. Restoring and repurposing historic buildings is always rewarding, and we look forward to delivering a high-quality space that we and the community can be proud of for generations to come.”

 

Kevin Sadler Chair of Tilbury Town Fund “I’ve been fortunate to attend events at Tilbury Riverside Station in the past, so it’s fantastic to see work now starting to bring this historic building back to life. With the support of the community and the Town Fund Board, we have a real opportunity to transform this building that is so important to local people into a vibrant resource that the whole community can enjoy for years to come.”

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Forth Ports signs Armed Forces Covenant

Friday 20th March 2026

Forth Ports has strengthened its support for serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and military families by formally signing the Armed Forces Covenant.

The Armed Forces‑friendly employer has pledged a comprehensive package of support. This includes recognising military skills in recruitment, championing veteran employment, providing flexibility for service spouses and partners, and supporting employees who serve as reservists or cadet force volunteers. The organisation also backs national Armed Forces events and charities.

Stuart MacGregor, Chief Financial Officer at Forth Ports, signed the Covenant alongside Michelle Primrose, Chief People Officer and Lieutenant Commander Chris Hawkins aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth in Rosyth.

Stuart said: “In signing the Armed Forces Covenant, we are reaffirming our ongoing commitment to support the Armed Forces community, recognising the value serving personnel, both regular and reservists, veterans and military families contribute to our business and our country.

“Forth Ports has a strong track record of welcoming those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces and their families into roles across Scotland and Tilbury, and through our partnership with the Attention to Logistics programme* we have seen first‑hand the significant contribution they bring to our organisation.

“We are proud to be a forces‑friendly employer and remain committed to supporting the Armed Forces community who work with us now and in the future.

We recognise the exceptional skills, experience, and dedication they offer, and many arrive already equipped with the capabilities we seek to recruit within the ports industry.”

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