A new era for Forth Ports’ renewables hub

These eight massive monopiles, each up to 103 metres long and weighing around 2,300 tonnes, arrived via heavy transport vessel at the new deep-water Charles Hammond Berth – a key element of Forth Ports’ GB£150 million marine construction investment.

“This first monopile delivery into Leith kicks off a key phase of offshore construction and we are delighted to be the inaugural project to utilise Forth Ports’ renewables hub,” said John Hill, project director of Inch Cape.

Renewables hub

The 1.1GW windfarm will be the first to use Forth Ports’ newly transformed renewables hub, where all 72 foundations will be offloaded, stored and prepared for windfarm construction and installation.

The Charles Hammond Berth features a heavy lift capability of up to 100 tonnes per square metre, with 175 acres of adjacent land for associated renewables logistics, marshalling and manufacturing.

The redevelopment of Leith represents Forth Ports’ largest ever offshore wind contract, with GB£50 million of investment linked directly to Inch Cape.

As offshore renewables activity accelerates, more than 100 people will work on-site, supported by Forth Projects as principal contractor.

Installation of the XXL monopiles will begin before the end of the year, using the Jan De Nul heavy lift vessel Les Alizés.

Once complete, Inch Cape’s 72 Vestas turbines will generate enough clean energy to power half the homes in Scotland, cementing Leith’s role in Scotland’s offshore renewables future.