According to the plans, the Green Freeport jobs created at Rosyth would mainly serve activity such as “shipping logistics, advanced manufacturing and shipbuilding, in addition to the assembly of offshore wind and low carbon energy generation.” This would aim to deliver “sustainable, inclusive economic growth along the Firth of Forth.”
The parties expect Burntisland to be a sister port facility to the newly created Renewables Hub at the Port of Leith, providing further deep water access and local supply chain capability as offshore wind deployment accelerates, with energy and low carbon growth creating new employment opportunities.
It also argued that the proposed developments at the Port of Rosyth will enhance Scotland’s international connectivity and export capacity through a brand new freight hub.
The Forth Green Freeport bid proposes specific tax and customs sites within Fife at Rosyth and Burntisland, respectively.
The bid was submitted to the UK and Scottish governments for assessment on 20th June 2022. Those backing the bid claim it has the potential to generate 50,000 new green jobs across Scotland and act as a catalyst for new green technologies and renewable energy manufacturing, unlocking £6 billion of private and public investment for the country.
Commenting on the plan, Charles Hammond OBE, CEO of Forth Ports Group, commented:
“Scotland needs to boost its international connectivity and our plan for new freight hub and rail terminals will offer manufacturers and shippers a fast-track route to global and European markets directly via the North Sea. Our plan builds upon the recent DFDS announcement, which aims to see the return of a direct daily freight ferry route to northern Europe from Scotland, while offering an alternative to the congested Dover Straits and reducing dependence on road transport, while boosting trade.”
David Lockwood, CEO Babcock International Group PLC, added:
“The Green Freeport would enhance the multi-million pound investment in infrastructure, digitisation and skills at Babcock’s Rosyth facilities over the last decade and underpin our large-scale manufacturing capabilities. It would also complement our work with partners through the Arrol Gibb Innovation Campus – a global centre of excellence for large-scale advanced manufacturing, offering access to the latest industrial techniques and technology, innovation advice and skills development.”
Finally, Ronnie Muir, Director of Scarborough Muir Group, stated:
“Scotland is on the cusp of a green revolution, with offshore wind providing the catalyst for new, high-quality manufacturing and engineering employment along the Firth energy coast.
Queensferry One is one of Scotland’s largest and best-connected strategic employment sites. Located on the Firth of Forth, the 120-acre development site provides an established hub for businesses in the green energy sector looking to scale their operations or improve supply chain efficiencies across the Central Scotland and beyond.
“Working with the Rosyth’s industrial cluster and innovation partners, Queensferry One will play a major role in delivering the green energy and low carbon logistics objectives of the Forth Green Freeport, while boosting the nation’s trading position.”