Feature, Freight News, Logistics, Sea

Group reveals Rosyth revival plans

[ October 10, 2022   //   Chris Lewis ]

The consortium behind the Forth Green Freeports bid have unveiled their vision for a major enhancement of the port of Rosyth.

Babcock International, Forth Ports Group have plans for a new freight terminal, offshore renewable manufacturing and green power generating capacity.

A freight ferry route between Rosyth and Zeebrugge is targeted to resume next year following an agreement signed on 17 July between ferry operator, DFDS and Ptarmigan Shipping.

DFDS withdrew the previous DFDS/Zeebrugge route, Scotland’’s last regular ro ro route to the Continent, in April 2018.

The consortium said that new employment at Rosyth and Burntisland will build upon the existing business supply chain and sector expertise and will help drive regeneration of Mid Fife and beyond, mainly serving activity such as shipping, logistics, advanced manufacturing and shipbuilding, in addition to the assembly of offshore wind and low carbon energy generation

It is expected that Burntisland will 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.  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.

Forth Ports Group chief executive Charles Hammond 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.”

Babcock International Group chief executive David Lockwood 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.”