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.”

Back

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.”

Back

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.

Back

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.”

Back

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.”

Back

Fleete opens UK’s largest dedicated commercial vehicle electric charging hub at Port of Tilbury

Thursday 26th February 2026

Marking a major milestone in the electrification of the country’s freight and logistics sector, Fleete has officially opened the UK’s largest dedicated commercial vehicle electric charging hub at the Port of Tilbury.

The 5MW facility features 16 ultra-rapid chargers enabling up to 16 electric HGVs to charge simultaneously. This site is the first of a network of shared commercial vehicle charging hubs, designed to accelerate fleet electrification across the UK by providing high-powered charging at strategic logistics locations without the need for costly, time-consuming depot upgrades.

Delivering high-capacity charging at scale

Fleete’s new hub, delivered in partnership with the Port of Tilbury and Thames Freeport, is supported by £1 million from the UK government’s Thames Freeport Seed Capital Programme, with further funding provided by the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) Programme, funded by the Department for Transport in partnership with Innovate UK.

The investment marks an important step in the Port of Tilbury’s green energy transition, supporting cleaner air for local communities, enabling businesses to capitalise on new opportunities in sustainable transport and contributing to economic growth and job creation.

Strategically located at one of the UK’s busiest multimodal freight hubs, Fleete’s facility serves the growing number of zero emission HGVs operating in and through the Port of Tilbury and along the A13 corridor into London. It also supports national infrastructure programmes including the Lower Thames Crossing, where major contractors are switching to electric vehicles to reduce emissions on one of the country’s largest infrastructure construction projects.

The official opening was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by representatives from Fleete, project partners and fleet customers, with the hub formally opened by Madam Mayor Sue Shinnick, Mayor of Thurrock.

“Today is an important moment for Thurrock and for the wider move towards cleaner freight. The opening of Fleete’s electric HGV charging hub here at the Port of Tilbury, the largest dedicated hub of its kind in the UK, highlights what can be achieved through strong partnership between industry, government and Thames Freeport. This investment supports cleaner transport, improves air quality for our communities, and reinforces Thurrock’s role in adopting practical, forward looking low carbon solutions,” said Madam Mayor Sue Shinnick, Mayor of Thurrock.

State-of-the-art eHGV charging

Fleete’s shared-user model provides fleet operators with access to reliable, high-quality charging without the need for dedicated facilities, addressing common barriers to electrification including grid capacity, land constraints and upfront infrastructure cost.

The new 5 megawatt (MW) site includes:

  • Siemens has delivered 6 x Flex 540kW chargers plus 12 x Flex 500A dispensers. There are 3 charging islands, each can be upgraded to MCS with 2 x 540 kW and 4 dispensers on each bay.  And
  • 4 x charging points powered by Power Electronics, featuring two NB Cooled Dispensers and one NB Station system, delivering up to 270 kW per charging point, with upgrade capacity to 360 kW. The equipment is deployed as part of the eFREIGHT 2030 project.[1]

The hub was delivered with design and construction support from industry partners including Envevo, bringing high-voltage charging infrastructure into operation within a live port environment. The site has been designed to accommodate additional fleet operators as demand grows.

Speaking at the opening event, Chris Morrison, CEO at Fleete, said: “Today marks a major milestone for Fleete and for the wider logistics sector. From announcing the project last year, to now opening the site, our focus has been on proving that shared, high-capacity charging infrastructure can remove one of the biggest barriers to fleet electrification.

“The Port of Tilbury hub shows what’s possible when industry and government work together to deliver infrastructure at scale. By supporting customers and collaborating with partners across the supply chain, we’re helping accelerate the transition to zero-emission commercial transport where it’s needed most.”

Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather said: “This is a significant milestone in our drive to decarbonise road freight, helped by £1million Government investment at the Port of Tilbury site to install EV chargers for HGVs.

“Road freight is the backbone of our economy, keeping goods moving and businesses growing. By supporting the sector to go electric, we’re cutting emissions and backing the industry to thrive long into the future.”

Strengthening partnerships at Port of Tilbury

The new hub forms part of a wider effort to support cleaner freight movement and future-proof one of the UK’s most important logistics gateways.

David Webster, Regional Director – Tilbury and Thames Freeport board member, said: “The opening of Fleete’s EV charging hub is a significant step forward for the Port of Tilbury as we work to support the decarbonisation of freight and logistics at one of the UK’s busiest ports.

“With thousands of HGV movements through the port every day, access to high-capacity, reliable charging infrastructure is critical. This shared facility will play an important role in helping our customers reduce emissions while maintaining efficient operations.”

Stuart Rimmer, CEO (Interim), Thames Freeport added: “This is exactly the kind of project Thames Freeport was established to support. By using targeted seed capital funding to unlock private investment, we are helping to deliver infrastructure that strengthens the Port of Tilbury and supports its long-term competitiveness.

For Thurrock and the wider Thames Freeport region, this means cleaner freight operations, modern infrastructure and continued confidence that the area is well placed to attract further investment in sustainable logistics.”

Logistics UK Chief Executive Ben Fletcher said: “Public charging infrastructure on this scale, and in such a key strategic location, is precisely what is needed to encourage more operators to use electric vehicles.

“The charging hub is vast, and with 16 ultra rapid chargers it will help operators make the switch to electric fleets – especially smaller operators who can struggle to install chargers at their depots.”

Back

Tilbury3 planning approval unlocks next growth phase at Port of Tilbury

Wednesday 25th February 2026

The Port of Tilbury announces today (25 February), the approval of an expansion plan for the development of Tilbury3 (T3) into a flexible, rail-connected port capable of accommodating a wide range of industrial and logistics activities. The site totals 143 acres for port operational use and ecological mitigation.

The outline planning consent from Thurrock Council for Tilbury3 is for general industrial storage, container operations, warehousing, processing and vehicle storage, alongside the handling of construction materials and aggregates, reinforcing Tilbury’s role as a well-connected, high-capacity, multi-modal hub. The site will benefit from direct strategic rail and road connections, including, in the years ahead, a connection onto the Lower Thames Crossing.

As part of the Thames Freeport, Tilbury3 will benefit from tax-site incentives designed to attract new investment and support the long-term growth of trade across the region. These advantages complement the wider Port’s existing strengths in bulk materials, Ro-Ro, automotive and containerised cargo, while expanding capacity to meet customer growth requirements.

The Tilbury3 development plans will maintain and build on the Port’s commitment to responsible and sustainable growth. Building on the strong environmental stewardship demonstrated through major projects, including Tilbury2 and the London Distribution Park, the Port will continue to enhance local habitats and supporting biodiversity. The T3 plan has clear environmental benefits with a continued focus on respecting the natural environment.

Stuart Wallace, CEO of Forth Ports, said: “This approval marks an important milestone in our long-term investment strategy for the Port of Tilbury, recognising its strategic location serving London and the Southeast. The Tilbury3 development is located adjacent to the Lower Thames Crossing northern tunnel junction, with Tilbury becoming one of the best road, rail and sea connected ports in the UK.

“Tilbury3 unlocks the next phase of sustainable growth across our operations, enabling us to expand capacity, meet the needs of our customers and create new market opportunities. The development will support existing jobs, create new employment and deliver long‐term economic value, while our habitat creation plans will ensure we continue to protect and enhance the area’s natural environment.”

David Webster, Regional Director of Port of Tilbury, said: “We welcome Thurrock Council’s decision to approve Tilbury3, which represents a significant step in supporting our customers’ growth ambitions and strengthening Tilbury’s role as one of the UK’s best-connected ports. The additional capacity, flexible land use and Freeport advantages will allow us to respond to growing market demand and deliver scalable, multi-modal solutions for our customers.”

Back

Liebherr completes crane raise at The Port of Grangemouth

Monday 23rd February 2026

–  Two STS cranes at The Port of Grangemouth have been raised by 2.2 metres to support higher container stacks and larger straddle carriers

–  Liebherr Transform delivered the on-rail crane raise in just six weeks per crane, ensuring minimal disruption to Scotland’s largest container terminal

–  The upgrade extends the service life of the cranes, providing a sustainable, futureproof and cost-effective solution

Liebherr Container Cranes Ltd. is proud to announce the successful completion of a major crane raise project at Forth Ports Grangemouth. Two ship-to-shore (STS) gantry cranes have had their lift height increased by 2.2 metres, unlocking enhanced operational capabilities for Scotland’s largest container port.

Killarney (Ireland), February 2026 – The Port of Grangemouth is Scotland’s largest container terminal and operates three Liebherr ship-to-shore gantry cranes: one crane delivered in 2018, and two cranes delivered in 2006. The first two cranes have now undergone a Liebherr Transform crane raise, extending their operational lifespan and futureproofing the port’s container handling capabilities. All three cranes were originally designed with state-of-the-art features, ensuring safe and reliable container handling at the port for nearly two decades.

Taller cranes for taller straddle carriers

Handling over 250,000 TEU annually, the busy port faces the challenge of adapting to increasing container volumes and evolving equipment requirements. Recent operational changes, including higher container stacks and the introduction of larger, next-generation straddle carriers, necessitated increased clearance beneath the STS cranes to maintain safe and efficient operations.

Liebherr Transform delivered a crane raise upgrade, increasing the lift height of the two STS cranes by 2.2 metres. Crucially, both cranes remained on the rail throughout the project, minimising disruption to terminal operations. Each crane was successfully raised in just six weeks, demonstrating Liebherr’s ability to deliver innovative, customer-focused solutions that enhance container handling performance without compromising productivity.

Speaking about the project, Craig Torrance, Asset Manager at The Port of Grangemouth, commented: “Our crane upgrade is a significant step forward as we ensure that we future proof our container operations for our customers. The ability to handle higher container stacks and larger straddle carriers at the terminal ensures we remain competitive and efficient in a fast-changing market. Our partnership with Liebherr is a success and we are grateful to the team who delivered the project with minimal disruption, which was critical for our operations.”

Sustainable upgrade for increased performance

Liebherr Transform’s crane raise has not only increased the cranes’ height but also extended their service life, enabling the cranes to meet the requirements of modern container handling, now and into the future. Oran Kane, Global Manager – Upgrades at Liebherr Container Cranes Ltd. commented: “This project highlights the value of Liebherr Transform. Rather than replacing the existing cranes, we helped to unlock new capabilities and extend the crane service life. It’s a cost-effective, sustainable solution that delivers long-term value for Forth Ports Grangemouth.” This approach reflects Liebherr’s commitment to engineering sustainable solutions that maximise return on investment, reduce environmental impact, and minimise expenditure.

The entire crane raise project was captured on camera. Visit the Liebherr Maritime Cranes YouTube channel to watch the full video. YouTube

Liebherr Transform is the upgrade and modification service from Liebherr. Ports and terminals are under relentless pressure to reduce costs and boost performance through increased productivity, faster turnarounds, and reduction in equipment downtime. Unleash the full potential of your container cranes with a manageable financial investment. Liebherr Transform uses the best available technologies to make your crane stronger, faster, smarter, greener and ultimately…better!

Back

Forth ports apprentices recognised at annual awards with 26 new emerging talent roles offered for 2026

Monday 16th February 2026

Apprentice of the Year Awards

Forth Ports hosted its annual awards celebration to recognise the achievements of their talented apprentices across the business. The joint event, which was held simultaneously in Grangemouth and in Tilbury, acknowledged the value the current apprentices contribute and celebrated their achievements.

Forth Ports has also launched its emerging talent campaign with 26 exciting opportunities available across their UK ports offering 22 apprenticeships and four graduate roles across the business.

The annual awards recognised 14 apprentices from across the group who successfully completed their apprenticeships and who have now transitioned into permanent positions, adding to Forth Ports’ 95% apprentice retention record. In addition, two individual apprentices received the prestigious Apprentice of the Year award.

In Scotland, Declan Swan, 19, was named Apprentice of the Year. Declan, a former student at Lornshill Academy in Tullibody, joined Forth Ports in 2025 as an Apprentice Customer Service Administrator in Grangemouth and is currently working to achieve his Modern Apprenticeship in Freight Logistics. Declan was awarded the Apprentice of the Year award as he has integrated extremely well with his team and is an excellent addition to the business.  Declan is not afraid to take on additional tasks to support the team and is keen to assist the Learning and Development team at events and visits.

In Tilbury, Billy Earey, 20, was awarded Apprentice of the Year. Billy is a first-year apprentice working at the port’s busy London Container Terminal which handles cargo from around the world. Billy received the accolade as a result of his strong commitment, enthusiasm and ownership of his learning while, at the same time, positively influencing those around him.

Shaun Wood, Operations Director, Port of Tilbury said: “Emerging talent roles are a crucial part of our current and future business. Many congratulations to Billy, he has shown great progress and commitment which positions him strongly for continued growth and long-term success with our business. I also want to congratulate all of this year’s apprentices who have successfully completed their Apprenticeship Qualification, and we wish them all well in their career journey.”

Derek Knox, Regional Director, Scotland said: “Our apprenticeship and graduate programmes at Forth Ports really do equip people with the skills necessary for career success and also for personal development which contributes not only to the success of our business and the wider communities we serve. My congratulations to all of the successful apprentices this year and of course to Declan Swan on his Apprentice of the Year achievement, this is well deserved and we will watch his career with interest.”

Forth Ports launches its emerging talent role search with 26 roles available across their UK ports marking the businesses’ largest intake of Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) as part of the drive to build its future workforce and upskill the current team.

22 apprenticeship roles are being offered across a variety of business areas including Warehouse Operations, IT, Facilities Management, Engineering, Marine, and Admin. The four new graduates across Business Intelligence, Hydrographic Surveying, Operations and Infrastructure Engineering. [Note: link to careers page here: https://www.forthports.co.uk/careers/]

Natalie Dalgleish, Head of Learning & Development at Forth Ports said: “The Learning and Development team see first hand the real impact that apprenticeships deliver by unlocking potential, developing lifelong skills, and creating opportunities for growth. Of course, at Forth Ports, apprenticeships are not exclusively for young people at the start of their careers, they can be valuable for people at any stage of their careers as they look to upskill, reskill, and explore new opportunities.”

Forth Ports commitment to nurturing emerging talent was cemented in 2025 when the business was awarded a Gold accreditation of the 5% club*, which highlights their strong focus on employees at the start of their careers as well as continuous learning and professional growth throughout the business.

Closing date for applying is 6 March 2026 For more about careers at Forth Ports and the current vacancies, go to: https://www.forthports.co.uk/careers/

Back

Forth Green Freeport unlocks £25 million to deliver £7.9Bn of economic regeneration

Thursday 15th January 2026

The Forth Green Freeport (FGF) has today (15 January 2026) marked a joint agreement which unlocks £25 million of seed funding from the UK Government to support reindustrialisation of the Edinburgh, Fife and Falkirk areas and attract £7.9 billion of private and public investment over the next decade.

At the Port of Leith, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland, Kirsty McNeill and Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes joined the Forth Green Freeport Chair, Dame Susan Rice DBE, and CEO, Sarah Murray, and representatives from the three local authorities – Cllr Altany Craik, Fife Council; Cllr Allan Nimmo, Falkirk Council; and Cllr Jane Meagher, City of Edinburgh Council – to mark the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UK and Scottish Governments, which releases £25 million of seed capital funding. This seed capital will be match funded by project leads bringing an initial investment in the area to more than £50million.

The seed capital funding will help prepare the key sites within the FGF area to attract investors and deliver major economic benefits for Scotland. It will mean delivery can begin on projects*, which have been identified to attract major inward investment in the key target sectors including offshore wind, hydrogen, sustainable fuels, modular manufacturing and logistics, FGF will support the re-industrialisation and large-scale economic regeneration of Central Scotland over the next decade.

FGF became operational on 12 June 2024 and over the next 25 years is set to attract new businesses and new jobs into Burntisland, Grangemouth, Leith and Rosyth, aided by a suite of tax and custom incentives to deliver real benefits for Scotland and the UK.

A detailed economic impact assessment has projected that FGF will generate £7.9 billion of private and public investment and boost GVA (gross value added) by £8.1 billion. The analysis projected that up to 34,500 well paid, skilled jobs, could be created with around 16,000 of these being direct employment in the FGF’s target sectors and tax sites.

Dame Susan Rice DBE, Chair of FGF said: “This is a momentous day for the entire Forth Green Freeport team as we mark the MoU agreement and release the £25 million of seed capital from the UK Government to help attract significant inward investment. We are grateful to both Ministers, our Local Authority partners and FGF consortium members for being here today and we look forward to delivering this important project for Scotland.”

UK Government Minister Kirsty McNeill said: “This is a pivotal moment in the UK Government’s mission to boost economic growth right across Scotland. The Forth Green Freeport will transform the economy of Central Scotland, as well as playing a key role in our clean energy future. Supported by £25 million of UK Government investment, and a range of UK Government tax incentives, this important collaboration between governments and local partners will deliver tens of thousands of high-quality jobs and attract billions in investment.”

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “This milestone is the culmination of years of partnership working to transform the region, including the Grangemouth industrial cluster, by attracting billions of further public and private investment. Forth Green Freeport will bring well-paid jobs, regeneration and make significant steps towards achieving Scotland’s net zero ambitions.

“The Scottish Government is committed to driving investment and innovation to support fair, green economic growth which will put more money into people’s pockets and help the places they live to prosper.

“That’s why we are supporting offshore wind with £500 million investment over five years to grow the supply chain and we have launched our new online portal InvestScotland which showcases large-scale investment opportunities, including in renewable energy.”

Minister for Devolution, Faith and Communities, Miatta Fahnbulleh, said: “This is what real partnership looks like. Working with the Scottish Government, we’re investing £25 million to create thousands of skilled green jobs across Edinburgh, Falkirk and Fife – giving the Central Belt a real stake in the country’s clean energy future.”

The event took place at the Port of Leith which has been transformed through major private investment by owners and FGF Consortium partner, Forth Ports, into a world class renewables hub which is currently hosting the Inch Cape Offshore Wind project marshalling the foundation component parts of the 72-turbine wind farm being constructed off the Angus coast.

To deliver the ambitious vision of FGF, a strong team is in place with a focus on attracting investment across the FGF while ensuring strong governance and adherence to the FGF’s Fair Work and Net Zero charters.

Back