Hammond, who stepped down from the role in 2024 after 23 years, unveiled a specially commissioned sculpture at the berth. The 7 ft. structure was 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.
“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.”
Hammond said, “This is a real honor 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 changes and transition. However, this investment in the new renewables berth is the biggest transformation of the port in a generation.
“My thanks to Stuart and the team for this and I wish Forth Ports every success as the business continues on its upwards trajectory.”
The berth features a heavy lift capability of up to 100 tons per square meter (t/m2), backed up by 175 acres of adjacent land for associated renewables logistics, marshalling and manufacturing.
The Leith Renewables Hub is part of the Forth Green Freeport’s strategically located tax sites which aim to reindustrialize central Scotland, generating thousands of high-quality green jobs by increasing trade and supporting the growth of businesses across the Firth of Forth.
PHOTO: (l-r) Stuart Wallace, CEO of Forth Ports, with Charles Hammond OBE at the unveiling of a sculpture marking the naming of the Charles Hammond Berth at the Leith Renewables Hub with the Kittiwake tug in the background providing the salute with its water cannons. (Photo By Jamie Simpson)
