Forth Ports Group plan to submit a plan for a Firth of Forth Green Freeport into the 12-week Green Freeport bidding process, which was launched today by the UK and Scottish governments.
The proposal has the potential to generate up to 50,000 new jobs and act as a catalyst for new green technologies and renewable energy manufacturing.
It encompasses key ports, industrial facilities and logistics centres along the north and south shores of the Firth of Forth and at Edinburgh Airport to create a green investment zone.
Strategic locations include: the Port of Grangemouth; Port of Leith, where Forth Ports has initiated work on the nation’s largest offshore renewable energy hub alongside energy giant, BP and EnBW; and the Port of Rosyth.
Forth Ports’ proposal is supported by Edinburgh City Council, Falkirk Council, Fife Council, local MSPs and MPs.
Forth Ports Group chief executive Charles Hammond said: “Now is the time for us to be bold, creating a green growth corridor the length of the Firth of Forth that will kickstart the re-industrialisation of Scotland’s Central Belt.
“It’s great to have the backing of our local politicians. Our Firth of Forth Green Freeport will provide the essential platform for Scotland’s decarbonisation through the creation of a green growth investment corridor creating 50,000 new, high-quality jobs in renewable energy, manufacturing, sustainable fuels and construction.”
SNP MSP for Falkirk East Michelle Thomson said: “I welcome Forth Ports’ commitment to bringing a Green Freeport to the Firth of Forth. Grangemouth presents a significant strategic and economic opportunity for a Green Freeport. Combining that potential with the opportunities at Rosyth and Leith is an encouraging and ambitious proposal.
“This is an opportunity to do things differently, with a tailor-made Scottish approach. Providing fair working opportunities, opening sustainable opportunities for innovation and boosting the economic prospects of our communities.
“I trust that these proposals will benefit the communities, people and businesses of Grangemouth and beyond and look forward to seeing the detailed application.”