It has been named the Charles Hammond Berth in honour of the company’s former chief executive, with the naming ceremony attended by Kirsty McNeill MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland; Forth Ports’ chair, Lord Smith of Kelvin, and its board of directors; key members of Forth Ports staff and apprentices; alongside other stakeholders including Graham, who constructed the berth; as well as Charles Hammond OBE himself.

Charles, who stepped down from the role in 2024 after 23 years, unveiled a specially commissioned sculpture at the berth. The 7ft structure has been created by Borders-based craftsman, Daniel Lacey, using a reclaimed wind turbine blade.

To date, Forth Ports has invested more than £100 million of private funds into transforming the Port of Leith into a world class renewables hub, which is already playing a key role in supporting Scotland’s energy transition. The Charles Hammond Berth was completed last year and later this year will play a pivotal role in the delivery of the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm. This will be the Port of Leith’s largest ever offshore wind contract and is creating 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, said: “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 said: “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 berth features a heavy lift capability of up to 100 tonnes per square metre (t/m2), backed up by 175 acres of adjacent land for associated renewables logistics, marshalling and manufacturing.