Shadow Minister for Transport and Central Scotland MSP, Graham Simpson, visited port operator Forth Ports at their 400-plus acre site in Grangemouth to hear more about their work and plans for a Firth of Forth Green Freeport.
He met with CFO Carole Cran, Government Relations Lead John Stevenson and Head of Operations - Scottish Ports Derek Knox who outlined the groups plans to expand at Grangemouth, updated Graham on the progress of their Freeport bid before giving him a birds eye view of port from one of the quay cranes.
Forth Ports is Scotland’s largest ports operator and owner of seven ports on the east coast of Scotland. Across the UK, the group employ over 1,100 people with this figure expected to rise in the coming years.
The Port of Grangemouth, which is Scotland’s largest port, is a crucial export hub handling 30% of Scottish GDP and 9 million tonnes of cargo per year. Forth Ports are committed to developing the site further including additional warehousing and £3m of investment to upgrade to the on-site rail link.
Mr Simpson also discussed the group’s plans for a Green Freeport. Their proposal, which will encompass key ports, industrial facilities and logistics centres along the north and south shores of the Firth of Forth and Edinburgh Airport, has to potential to generate 50,000 jobs.
The bidding process is ongoing and a decision from the UK and Scottish Governments is expected in September this year.
MSP for Central Scotland, Graham Simpson said: “After lending my support to the Firth of Forth Green Freeport, it was great to be able to see how Forth Ports are operating out of Grangemouth and discuss their plans for upgrades.
“There is a lot to be excited about in the region with this bid bringing the potential for huge investment and possibly thousands of jobs.
“The benefits of this proposal will be wide-reaching, which is great news for the local community, people and businesses of Grangemouth and I look forward to seeing the detailed application.”
Carole Cran, Chief Financial Officer at Forth Ports said: “It was great to showcase our plans for Grangemouth as we look to build upon Scotland’s export centre and logistics hub.
“The legacy of the green freeport will be more long-term jobs and high-value business growth.”
