Offshore renewable energy berth at Port of Leith formally opened

Thursday 24th April 2025

Forth Ports’ new deep water riverside berth at the Port of Leith – designed to host the world’s largest offshore wind construction vessels – was formally opened today (24th April).

It has been named the Charles Hammond Berth in honour of the company’s former Chief Executive, with the naming ceremony attended by Kirsty McNeill MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland; Forth Ports’ Chair, Lord Smith of Kelvin, and its Board of Directors; key members of Forth Ports staff and apprentices; alongside other stakeholders including Grahams, who constructed the berth; as well as Charles Hammond OBE himself.

Charles, who stepped down from the role in 2024 after 23 years, unveiled a specially commissioned sculpture at the berth. The 7ft structure has been created by Borders-based craftsman, Daniel Lacey, using a reclaimed wind turbine blade (see images attached with this release).

To date, Forth Ports has invested more than £100 million of private funds into transforming the Port of Leith into a world class renewables hub, which is already playing a key role in supporting Scotland’s energy transition. The Charles Hammond Berth was completed last year and later this year will play a pivotal role in the delivery of the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm. This will be the Port of Leith’s largest ever offshore wind contract and is creating up to 50 new and upskilled green energy jobs at Forth Ports to support the project.

Stuart Wallace, Chief Executive of the Forth Ports Group, said: “Today marks another important milestone in the history of Forth Ports and the transformation of the Port of Leith. Ahead of market demand, we have created a world class piece of infrastructure for Scotland as the nation starts to deliver the first wave of larger offshore wind projects taking shape in the North Sea. This, alongside our investment in the Port of Dundee, has created two purpose-built assembly terminals to meet the immediate needs of Scotland’s offshore wind sector.

 “These assets are part of Forth Ports’ vision aimed at addressing the UK’s port capacity required for the deployment of these projects, keeping the activity here in Scotland and the UK.  This port infrastructure will be here for the long term and will become part of our sustainable future.

 “Naming the berth after Charles couldn’t be a more fitting tribute to his leadership and we are proud to have his name on the berth as part of his legacy.”

 Charles Hammond OBE said: “This is a real honour for me and I am humbled that this high-quality berth features my name. During my time as Chief Executive, Leith and its port have gone through significant change and transition. However, this investment in the new renewables berth is the biggest transformation of the port in a generation.

“With the continued support of private businesses like Forth Ports, and a collaborative approach with both the UK and Scottish governments, there is a real opportunity to see a significant pipeline of projects delivered from here, creating economic benefit for Leith, Edinburgh and Scotland as well as assisting the UK in achieving its Net Zero targets.

 “My thanks to Stuart and the team for this and I wish Forth Ports every success as the business continues on its upwards trajectory.”

 Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill said: “It’s a privilege to attend the formal opening of the Charles Hammond Berth at the Port of Leith today. This investment of more than £100 million from Forth Ports represents exactly the kind of forward-thinking infrastructure Scotland needs as we accelerate our journey toward net zero. The berth isn’t just a fitting tribute to Charles Hammond’s leadership; it’s a powerful statement about Scotland’s commitment to renewable energy and green jobs.

 “This has the potential to support thousands of high-quality jobs and position the Firth of Forth as a central driver of Scotland’s just energy transition. The UK Government, through our Plan for Change, is proud to support this reindustrialisation that puts Scotland at the forefront of offshore wind development.”

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 is 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 is 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.

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Shaping conversations across key markets – Forth Ports launches official podcast, ‘The ForthCast’

Tuesday 25th February 2025

Forth Ports has today (25th February) launched its official podcast, The ForthCast.

The ForthCast opens the doors and offers a fresh, unique perspective into Forth Ports as a business, the key markets shaping the UK economy and the people that make things happen across the business as well as what Forth Ports is doing to help drive economic activity and growth in the UK.

The podcast will feature a range of guests from across the business as well as hearing from industry leaders and experts across some of the company’s key markets and the communities in which it operates.

Launching across several platforms, the first episode focuses on the cruise industry, Forth Ports’ continued evolution and growth in this sector, with insights from Forth Ports Senior Business Development and Strategy Manager, Rob Mason, hosted by cruise industry expert and advisor, Liz Gammon.

The next episode will spotlight Forth Ports’ exciting journey into Offshore Wind, highlighting their groundbreaking infrastructure developments that are set to deliver transformative energy projects for future generations.

Rob Mason, Senior Business Development and Strategy Manager at Forth Ports, said: “We have been working on bringing The ForthCast to a wide range of listeners behind the scenes for a while now and finally launching the podcast is a great feeling. At Forth Ports, we see this as the perfect opportunity for everyone to learn about who we are, gain insights on various subjects across our key markets and, most importantly, get to know the people who make Forth Ports the place it is today.”

 The ForthCast is a Forth Ports Limited and Pixelwork production. The ForthCast is available on:

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Forth Ports strengthens Exec Board with appointment of two Regional Directors

Thursday 20th February 2025

Forth Ports Limited, the UK ports group with eight ports on the UK’s strategic estuaries – the Thames, the Forth and the Tay – announces the promotion of David Webster and Derek Knox to newly created Regional Director roles. To enhance the growing business and drive Forth Ports’ long-term success across the UK, they will join the group’s Executive Board with immediate effect and take up their new roles from 31 March 2025.

David Webster (currently Commercial Director) is promoted to Regional Director for Tilbury, assuming full responsibility for leading and further developing the Tilbury business on the River Thames. With extensive experience and a track record in growth and diversification, David will focus on leading the team at the Port of Tilbury to drive its continued success. David has been with Forth Ports for 10 years in senior management roles.

Derek Knox (currently Director of Operations Scotland) is promoted to Regional Director for Scotland, assuming full responsibility for leading the Scottish teams at its seven ports in Scotland and including the company’s port services and infrastructure division, Forth Projects. Derek has played a key role in developing Forth Ports’ Scotland strategy, strengthening its core business, and also leads on the Forth Green Freeport activities. Derek has worked with Forth Ports for over 25 years in a number of senior roles at its busy ports across Scotland.

Commenting on the promotions, Stuart Wallace, Chief Executive Officer, said:

“As we navigate an evolving market landscape, our focus remains on delivering sustainable growth. Capitalising on the strength, capability and expertise within our business, we are excited to make these new leadership appointments. My congratulations to both David and Derek on their well-deserved promotions.”

In their new roles, David and Derek will report directly to Chief Executive, Stuart Wallace. Paul Dale, Chief Operating Officer, will provide Group strategic support and guidance as these regions evolve, ensuring a strong focus on operational excellence, delivery for customers and achieving the group’s ambition of being the industry leader in the key UK markets in which it operates, currently and in the future, capitalising on Forth Ports’ geographic strengths and sectoral expertise.

As a prominent partner in both the Thames Freeport and Forth Green Freeport, Forth Ports is committed to accelerating the UK’s drive to Net Zero, creating high quality jobs and driving the green economy.

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Forth Ports celebrates apprentice achievements as it offers 20 new early career roles across the group

Monday 17th February 2025

Forth Ports hosted celebration events in Scotland and in Tilbury to recognise the achievements of their talented apprentices, recognising the value they contribute to the business, and acknowledge the skills they have developed throughout their journey.

The events celebrated and awarded 11 apprentices across the group who successfully completed their apprenticeships in the past year and who have now transitioned into permanent positions, adding to the business’s 95% apprentice retention record.

For the first time this year, two individual apprentices received a prestigious Apprentice of the Year award, an accolade that will now be given each year.

In Scotland, Callum Carr, 19, a former Falkirk High student, was named Apprentice of the Year. Callum began his journey with Forth Ports in 2023 as an Electrical Engineering Apprentice, working toward his qualification through Forth Valley College, which he is expected to complete in 2027. Callum exemplifies the core values of Forth Ports, consistently striving for success and serving as an excellent role model for his peers and future apprentices.

In Tilbury, Rebekah Inniss, 22, a former student of The Ockendon Academy, was awarded Apprentice of the Year. She began her career on the government’s Kickstart initiative working in the port’s reception in 2021. In 2023, she was offered a full-time position as a clerical assistant in Conventional and enrolled in a Business Administration Apprenticeship, which she aims to complete by June this year. Her hard work has made her an instrumental part of the team, exemplifying how the skills gained through these programmes can significantly advance your career.

Commenting on the apprenticeship programme Natalie Dalgleish, Head of Learning & Development said: “At Forth Ports, we recognise the transformative power of apprenticeships in unlocking potential, developing lifelong skills, and creating opportunities for growth. During our recent awards ceremony, we emphasised the crucial role that apprenticeships play in shaping careers and driving innovation within our business.

Apprenticeships are not exclusively for young people embarking on their careers; they serve as a valuable tool for individuals at any stage of their professional journey to upskill, reskill, and explore new opportunities.

At Forth Ports, we remain dedicated to nurturing talent through initiatives that equip individuals with the skills necessary not only for career success but also for personal development, contributing to the success of our business and the wider communities we serve.” 

Forth Ports has also launched its early careers campaign at an exciting time for the business as it continues to grow following a period of significant investment across the UK. The business needs a talented workforce and has 17 exciting early career roles available across their UK ports. This is their largest ever intake of Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) and despite a reported 31% decline in apprenticeship opportunities in the UK (source: CIPD*), Forth Ports remains committed to building its future workforce and upskilling the current team.

Forth Ports is seeking 17 Modern Apprenticeships and one graduate to fill roles which will provide skills for life to individuals working across their Scottish and Tilbury operations. There are a variety of roles including a newly create MA role in procurement. The MA roles available are:

  • Port of Tilbury (12 roles) in operations, health & safety, procurement, marine and engineering.
  • In Scotland, there are four MA engineering roles in Grangemouth, Leith and Dundee.
  • The business also requires one Graduate to join the essential IT team in Scotland.

Closing date for applying is 10 March 2025. For more about careers at Forth Ports and the current vacancies, go to: https://www.forthports.co.uk/careers/

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Kind-hearted Port of Tilbury employees donate over a hundred Christmas gifts to Changing Pathways charity

Friday 20th December 2024

Kind-hearted employees at the Port of Tilbury have made a generous donation of 136 gifts to the Changing Pathways charity, just in time for Christmas. The port has been supporting the local charity for over a decade with people from across the port buying and wrapping gifts for adults and children to open on Christmas day.

Changing Pathways has been providing support to adults and their children affected by domestic abuse in South Essex and Thurrock for over forty years. The charity provides free and confidential services for people who are currently experiencing or have previously experienced domestic abuse and other forms of inter-personal violence including stalking, harassment, ‘honour-based’ abuse and forced marriage. They focus on listening to survivors and together decide the support required to enable them to take their first step on a pathway to rebuilding their lives.

Paul Dale, Chief Operating Officer at Forth Ports (owners of the Port of Tilbury) said: “The team at the Port of Tilbury have once again shown their generosity to Changing Pathways with their gift donations. The festive season can be a tough time for a lot of people and we hope that the gifts will bring some cheer this Christmas.”

 

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Forth Ports announces £50 million investment in Leith having secured gamechanger contract with Inch Cape

Thursday 12th December 2024

Forth Ports, the UK’s third largest port operator, announces today (12 December 2024) a £50 million private investment in infrastructure at the Port of Leith having secured its largest ever offshore wind contract, the delivery of the 1.1 gigawatt (GW) Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm.

This latest investment in infrastructure at the Port of Leith will enhance the port’s marine access, infrastructure and vessel assets and includes plant and equipment that will be used to deliver Inch Cape. It will also create up to 50 new and upskilled green energy jobs to support the project.

Forth Ports’ agreement with Inch Cape, to be sited off the Angus coast, will utilise the port operator’s bespoke facilities and expertise at newly created renewable energy hubs at both the Port of Leith and Port of Dundee.

Visiting the Port of Leith today, Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, said: “Investment in key sectors such as Scotland’s ports can reap rewards. This is why the Scottish Budget commits £150 million to the offshore wind infrastructure and supply – to attract private investment such as this announcement from Forth Ports.

“Supported by Forth Green Freeport incentives, the Leith Renewables Hub will bring well-paid green jobs and ensure Scotland is best placed to develop a world leading renewables sector while progressing to net zero.

“The Scottish Government’s Green Industrial Strategy identifies how we can work better, smarter and quicker to create an investor-friendly environment and seize the many opportunities for green growth which lie ahead. This is a great example of how this has been achieved.”

Today’s Leith announcement follows a decade of private investment, during which time Forth Ports has created the land, quayside and skills capacity, which has not previously existed in Scotland, to deliver very large offshore wind contracts.

Stuart Wallace, Chief Executive Officer, Forth Ports said: “Inch Cape represents a very significant milestone for Forth Ports as it is the largest offshore wind contract ever to be awarded to our business. When it goes live, Inch Cape will have a significant impact on Scotland’s energy transition as the country drives to achieve net zero carbon emissions.

“Our strategy is to create and build the renewables hubs ahead of market demand and we have achieved this in Dundee and Leith. Coupled with other specialist facilities delivered by Forth Projects, this creates an unrivalled prime position for Forth Ports to deliver large offshore wind projects.

“We have a clear vision and today we commit to investing a further £50million in Leith, from our own resources, to support Inch Cape and future renewables projects.”

David Webster, Commercial Director at Forth Ports, said: “Today’s announcement is a gamechanger for Forth Ports and the Scottish offshore wind market. We have created world class renewables hubs in Dundee and Leith and solved the challenge of local content by locating at ports near the construction sites, creating high quality local green jobs and local supply chains while securing work for future generations.”

Forth Projects – Forth Ports’ in-house logistics division – will handle Inch Cape’s monopile and jacket foundations at the Port of Leith. The specialist pre-assembly and marshalling of the wind farm’s 72 turbines – comprising 72 nacelles, 216 blades and 72 towers – will be undertaken by Vestas in the Port of Dundee (Dundee was previously announced as a hub for Inch Cape in 2022).

John Hill, Inch Cape Project Director, said: “Through our substantial contract with Forth Ports, Inch Cape is pleased to be the catalyst for a major infrastructure investment that will not only benefit our own project but also those Scottish projects that are to follow. The utilisation of these two east coast ports – Leith and Dundee – for our offshore construction, will also facilitate significant opportunities with our Tier 1 contractors for the wider Scottish supply chain.”

Leith and Dundee were chosen after a competitive selection process due to their proximity to the project site off the Angus coast, coupled with the first-class storage and assembly capacity and purpose-built offshore renewables quayside facilities. 

The £50 million investment is the second phase of delivery of the vision behind the 175-acre Leith Renewables Hub which also forms part of one of the strategically located tax sites within the Forth Green Freeport.

Once completed in 2027, Inch Cape – one of Scotland’s largest offshore wind farms – will generate enough green energy to power half of Scotland’s homes. It will feature state-of-the-art Vestas 15 megawatt (MW) turbines, the tallest ever deployed in Scottish waters at a height of 274m (20m taller than Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh) and a new onshore substation now under construction on the brownfield site of the former Cockenzie Power Station, East Lothian.

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Charles Hammond to step down as CEO of Forth Ports – Stuart Wallace announced as his successor

Thursday 7th December 2023

Forth Ports’ Group Chief Executive, Charles Hammond OBE, has decided to step down from his role leading the UK’s third largest ports group at the end of June 2024. His successor will be Stuart Wallace, who is currently the company’s Chief Operating Officer.

Charles will work closely with Stuart over the next six months to ensure a smooth transition prior to Charles stepping down from the company. Stuart, who is already a member of the Forth Ports board, will take up his appointment on 1 July 2024.

Most recently, the company set out its ambitious plans to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2042 and carbon neutrality by 2032. Forth Ports is also a major partner in both the Thames Freeport and the Forth Green Freeport, which last month submitted its Outline Business Case to the Scottish and UK Governments.

The company is also a major player in the renewable energy sector. A private investment programme, totalling £150 million, has already provided crucial support to offshore wind development with the creation of bespoke renewables hubs in Dundee – currently supporting the construction of the Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm –and in Leith. There are also early plans to develop a floating wind hub across the River Forth at Burntisland.

Commenting on his decision to step down as Group CEO of Forth Ports, Charles Hammond OBE, said:

“It has been the privilege of my career to lead Forth Ports. From the significant growth of the business both sides of the border to the challenges of the Covid pandemic and Brexit, I have been fortunate enough to have been supported by the best team in the industry.

“The most consistent feature of my time at Forth Ports has been the stability that we have sought to create and, while I step down at the most exciting of times, I do so with the confidence that I will leave behind a business that is in great hands and very well positioned to continue to flourish.”

Stuart Wallace, Chief Operating Officer and Group Chief Executive Elect, said:

“I am proud and honoured to have been asked to lead this fantastic organisation as we face the challenges and opportunities of a just transition to net zero and the significant expansion of Scotland’s renewable energy sector.

“With the great team that we have built right across the business, I am confident that Forth Ports will continue to thrive. I am immensely grateful to Charles for steering the business into such a strong position and for his mentorship and support for me personally. I look forward to the next chapter in the Forth Ports story with relish.”

Patrick Samson, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Real Assets Investments at PSP Investments, Forth Ports’ principal shareholder, said:

“Charles will have been CEO at Forth Ports for more than 23 years when he steps down and we are grateful for his exceptional leadership and his contributions to the company over the last 12 years of our ownership.

“As we look to the future, we are excited to see Stuart succeed Charles as CEO. With his extensive operational experience and strategic mindset, we are confident in Stuart’s ability to lead Forth Ports through the next stage of its growth. We wish Charles all the best in this next phase of his career and look forward to continuing to work with Stuart and the broader management team.”

Charles was awarded an OBE in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to the UK ports industry and to Scottish business and last month stood down from his role as Chair of the UK Major Ports Group after 10 years at the helm.

A qualified lawyer, Charles, who will be 63 when he steps down, joined Forth Ports when it was a publicly run ports and river authority in 1989 as Company Secretary.

He was appointed Chief Executive in 2001 and has overseen Forth Ports’ expansion to a point today when the company owns and operates eight commercial ports, including Tilbury on the Thames, six ports on the Firth of Forth and Dundee on the Firth of Tay. He also oversaw the company’s move from a publicly listed PLC to private ownership in 2011.

A qualified Chartered Accountant, Stuart Wallace (53) joined Forth Ports in 2002, initially as Financial Controller for its Scottish region, prior to being seconded to the Port of Tilbury to run general port operations and the London Container Terminal. He returned to Scotland in 2013 having been appointed Divisional Director for the company’s Scottish operations.

He was appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2017, joining the board at that point, and is responsible for all operational activities of the Group. Stuart is also a non-executive director of Business Stream, one of the top three water retailers in the UK and a wholly owned subsidiary of Scottish Water.

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Labour Leader and Shadow Chancellor visit the Port of Tilbury

Thursday 23rd November 2023

Today (23 November), Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party and Rachel Reeves, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, toured the Port of Tilbury to see first-hand the importance of building infrastructure to generate growth in the UK.

During the overview of London’s major port and its expansion plans, both politicians also received a briefing on the supply chain demands across some of the country’s fast-developing sectors, including offshore wind, hydrogen and sustainable fuels.

The team discussed how government and industry can work in partnership to create sustainable, well-paid jobs across the country through a strong industrial strategy.

As well as hearing the business’ plans for the future, Starmer and Reeves also met a group of apprentices at the forefront of the port’s important work. The port’s ongoing apprenticeship and advanced apprenticeship programmes aim to build the skills base to support rapidly growing business areas such as consumer goods, building materials and recyclables.

Forth Ports owns and operates The Port of Tilbury, alongside seven other commercial ports on the Firth of Forth and the Firth of Tay: Grangemouth, Dundee, Leith, Rosyth, Methil, Burntisland and Kirkcaldy. The Port of Tilbury is the number one UK port for forestry products, construction materials, paper, grain and recyclables. The port has a strong market presence in bulk commodities, containers / trailers, cars (import and export) and cruise vessels.

Welcoming Labour’s top team to Tilbury where Forth Ports outlined their net zero mission, Charles Hammond OBE, Chief Executive of Forth Ports Group (owner of the Port of Tilbury and Tilbury2), commented: “Ports are epicentres for the growing green economy. Our multi-million investment plan across our major ports – Tilbury, Burntisland, Leith, Grangemouth and Rosyth – will accelerate the nation’s path toward a decarbonised economy built upon low carbon logistics, low carbon fuels and low carbon power generation.”

Keir Starmer MP, Leader of the Labour Party, said: “Here at Tilbury Port, I was struck by the scale of the operations, the scale of the group’s green ambitions and their commitment to develop young people into the managers of tomorrow. Meeting the apprentices, it’s clear how investment into the area will smash the class ceiling and break down the barriers to opportunity for young people.

“My Labour government will share ambition like the one I’ve seen here today, driving growth and the next generation of jobs through investment in the infrastructure needed to deliver clean power. My mission-driven Labour government will get Britain building to create jobs, and deliver a prosperous economy.”

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Hundreds attend London International Cruise Terminal Community Festive Fair

Tuesday 21st November 2023

As Christmas fast approaches, the London International Cruise Terminal in Tilbury held its Christmas Fair for the community at the weekend (19 November). The event, which is in its third year, has grown from strength to strength showcasing the talents of over 50 stall holders, each contributing to the festive atmosphere with an array of beautifully handcrafted items.

The Christmas Fair is well supported by local crafters, with many of the stall holders based in the Thurrock area. The hundreds of visitors who came along were treated to a treasure trove of handcrafted gifts, from exquisite decorations to unique, locally made items. The fair not only provides a platform for these talented crafters but also fosters a sense of community pride in supporting local businesses.

The Tilbury Riverside project added to the holiday cheer serving complimentary coffee, tea, sherry and of course mince pies. The atmosphere was very jolly with hundreds of local people coming along to catch up and enjoy the festivities.

Paul Dale, Asset and Site Director from the Port of Tilbury said: “The Christmas fair raised over £1500 which will benefit both the Tilbury Riverside Project and St Luke’s Hospice. This fantastic achievement reflects the power of community, kindness and the shared commitment of making a positive impact in our local area.

“This year’s fair went beyond the joy of gift-giving, it embraced the spirit of giving back to the community. The raffle for St Luke’s Hospice proved to be a resounding success. It was fantastic to see the generosity and the enthusiasm people had for supporting a local cause.”

The London International Cruise Terminal proved to be an ideal venue for this festive gathering and The Port of Tilbury are already setting their sights on expanding the event even further next year. With the overwhelming support from the community and the success of the fair in its third year, they hope to make it an even more integral part of the Christmas season in Tilbury.

St Luke’s Hospice is a local charity dedicated to providing compassionate care and support for individuals facing life-limiting illnesses and their families. The success of the Christmas Fair’s charity raffle contributes directly to the vital services offered by St Luke’s Hospice in the Thurrock area.

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Port of Tilbury hosts The National Lottery to reveal HMT Empire Windrush sculpture

Wednesday 1st November 2023

On the 30th October we had the honour of hosting the National Lottery to showcase their new HMT Empire Windrush wireframe structure created to celebrate Black History Month and Windrush 75.

The National Lottery raises more than £30 million every week for great causes across the UK, and this year, awarded £1.2 million of this to 140 community groups commemorating Windrush 75. This month they celebrated with a showcase of a wireframe recreation of HMT Empire Windrush right where Windrush arrived at the Port of Tilbury.

The structure which is called ‘The Life We Hold’ was created by Liam Hopkins of Lazerian Studios, in collaboration with abstract artist and creative designer Jade Pearl. The design incorporates portraits of five individuals who have been able to do amazing things for the Windrush generation with funding from The National Lottery.

The team at The Port of Tilbury were privileged to host this event with singer and presenter Scarlette Douglas revealing the amazing structure on our docks, alongside representatives from the various beneficiaries of the National Lottery Funding.

This year we have pulled out all the stops to recongise the 75th anniversary of Windrush and we continue to support anyone who wishes to do so.

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