{"id":6158,"date":"2023-05-23T09:20:08","date_gmt":"2023-05-23T09:20:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sprengthomson.com\/?p=6158"},"modified":"2024-04-09T09:13:53","modified_gmt":"2024-04-09T09:13:53","slug":"work-under-way-to-create-riverside-berth-at-scotlands-largest-renewables-hub-at-port-of-leith","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sprengthomson.com\/work-under-way-to-create-riverside-berth-at-scotlands-largest-renewables-hub-at-port-of-leith\/","title":{"rendered":"Work under way to create riverside berth at Scotland\u2019s largest renewables hub at Port of Leith"},"content":{"rendered":"

Forth Ports\u2019<\/a> creation of Scotland\u2019s largest renewables hub at the Port of Leith takes a major step forward this month with the start of construction works for the new riverside marine berth at the port.<\/p>\n

Forth Ports\u2019 ambitious \u00a350m project in Leith will create Scotland\u2019s largest renewable energy hub on a 175-acre site \u2013 supporting Scotland\u2019s economic recovery, energy transition plans and the achievement of the country\u2019s net zero carbon emissions targets.<\/p>\n

The bespoke riverside berth will be capable of accommodating the world\u2019s largest offshore wind installation vessels and will feature a heavy lift capability of up to 100 tonnes per square metre (t\/m2<\/sup>), backed up by 175 acres of adjacent land for logistics, marshalling and manufacturing. Working with specialist contractors, GRAHAM, the berth is being created immediately outside the port\u2019s lock gates, meaning that vessels do not need to enter the locked port itself, leading to faster ship turnaround times and the ability to accommodate larger vessels. Works began in January on the marine and land-side port infrastructure upgrades, with completion expected in summer 2024.<\/p>\n

The Leith Renewables Hub will be part of the Forth Green Freeport\u2019s strategically located tax and customs sites which aim to reindustrialise central Scotland, bringing up to 50,000 high-quality green jobs by increasing trade and supporting the growth of businesses across the Firth of Forth.<\/p>\n

Commenting on the project, Charles Hammond OBE, Group Chief Executive of Forth Ports<\/strong>, said: \u201cThe work under way in Leith will pave the way for Scotland to maximise the supply chain value and jobs from the ScotWind offshore wind leasing round. We are committed to playing our part in making Scotland\u2019s renewables future a reality and the construction of this new berth in Leith is a significant step forward.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur major investment in Leith\u2019s logistics and marine infrastructure will be crucial to the success of the Forth Green Freeport*. With existing and future offshore wind farm development plans in the North Sea, this renewables hub has the potential to support offshore wind construction projects for the next 30 years.\u201d<\/p>\n

Leith\u2019s proximity to the important North Sea offshore wind sites, coupled with the natural deep waters of the Firth of Forth and existing skills base, makes the port a strong location to support planned developments, as well as the anticipated pipeline of ScotWind projects, both fixed and floating. The Leith Renewables Hub has the potential to:<\/p>\n