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."


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.