Subscribe to our Construction Newsfeed
Scotland Construction Directory
Search our 14,716 companies....

Construction News

28/04/2025

New Offshore Renewables Berth Opens At Port Of Leith

Construction News Image
A new deep water riverside berth at the Port of Leith, specifically designed to accommodate the world's largest offshore wind construction vessels, was officially opened on Thursday, April 24th.

The facility has been named the Charles Hammond Berth in recognition of the former Chief Executive of Forth Ports, who stepped down in 2024 after 23 years of service. The naming ceremony was attended by Kirsty McNeill MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland, Lord Smith of Kelvin, Chair of Forth Ports, the company's Board of Directors, staff, apprentices, and other key stakeholders, including representatives from Grahams, the construction firm behind the berth, as well as Charles Hammond OBE himself.

During the event, Mr Hammond unveiled a bespoke 7ft sculpture crafted by Borders-based artist Daniel Lacey. The artwork was created using a reclaimed wind turbine blade, symbolising the berth's purpose.

Forth Ports has invested over £100 million of private capital to transform the Port of Leith into a leading renewables hub, playing a crucial role in supporting Scotland's transition to clean energy. The Charles Hammond Berth, completed last year, is set to be pivotal in the delivery of the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm later this year. This contract represents the Port of Leith's largest ever offshore wind agreement and is expected to create 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, commented: "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."
-- Advertisement --
NorthernAsbestosServicesLtd



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 MP stated: "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 Charles Hammond Berth boasts a heavy lift capability of up to 100 tonnes per square metre and is supported by 175 acres of adjacent land, providing ample space for associated renewables logistics, marshalling, and manufacturing activities.

The Port of Leith is Scotland's largest renewable energy hub, spanning a 175-acre site. It plays a vital role in supporting Scotland's energy transition plans, strengthening local supply chains, creating new, high-quality green jobs, and contributing significantly to the country's net zero carbon emissions targets. The Leith Renewables Hub is strategically located within the Forth Green Freeport's tax sites, which aim to reindustrialise central Scotland, generate thousands of high-quality green jobs, and boost business growth across the Firth of Forth.

Latest Construction News

20/05/2025
Updated plans for the regeneration of Dalkeith town centre have been released, with a key change involving the relocation of Dalkeith Library and Arts Centre into Midlothian House, the council headquarters. This strategic move will enable a larger area to be redeveloped in the initial phases of th
20/05/2025
The new Hairmyres station has officially opened, representing a £16 million investment and a significant step in the wider £143 million East Kilbride enhancement project. This development is part of the Scottish Government's commitment to invest over £4 billion in Scotland's Railway between 2024 a
20/05/2025
FTI Consulting, Inc. has announced the opening of its new dedicated Construction, Projects & Assets practice in Glasgow city centre, located on West Regent Street. This move signifies a continued investment in the firm's built environment capabilities within the UK, as it relocates its Scottish op
20/05/2025
ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) has signed a four-year maintenance framework agreement with Enspec Power Ltd for the provision of annual maintenance services for reactive compensation equipment across a number of its wind farms. The agreement encompasses sites in Scotland, England, and Northern Ire
20/05/2025
Glasgow-based Carbon Futures has announced a new strategic partnership with Octopus Energy, having been appointed as a Certified Assessor for the energy provider's newly launched 'Zero Bills' building standard. The 'Zero Bills' framework is designed to accelerate the decarbonisation of homes and se
20/05/2025
Clyde Gateway, Scotland’s largest regeneration programme, has been presented with the prestigious Regional Committee Chair Award at the British Council for Offices (BCO) Scottish Awards Lunch 2025. The accolade, which celebrates organisations or individuals who have made a significant and lasting im
20/05/2025
Clark Contracts has reported a record start to 2025, having secured £75 million in new orders across various sectors. The largest of these new contracts is a £30 million project for the construction of a new 273-bed student accommodation development on Osborne Street in Glasgow. The contractor has
20/05/2025
The Edinburgh Boiler Company (EBC) has reported a record turnover of £7.2 million after a successful transition into the renewables sector. The firm's latest set of financial results for the year ended 31 March 2025 shows sales up 60 per cent on the previous 12 months' figure of £4.6m. The company
20/05/2025
The Regional Growth Prospectuses from the Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC) and The Crown Estate outline how coastal regions across the UK can significantly expand their roles in the rapidly growing offshore wind supply chain. These plans aim to create and sustain an additional 10,000 new jobs
20/05/2025
Work is set to commence next month on a significant £3 million project aimed at preventing rags, wet wipes, and other sewer-related debris from entering Edinburgh's Water of Leith. Starting Sunday, 8 June 2025, Scottish Water will begin upgrading a storm overflow on the A8 Corstorphine Road in Mur
Morris & Spottiswood LtdCommercial Transmissions GroupWestermans International LtdHugh Simpson (Contractors) LtdTennants (Elgin) LtdCF Concrete PumpingPAUL Heat RecoveryAtlas Winch & Hoist Services LtdClaymore Training LimitedMulberry Kitchen Design