THE FORTH Green Freeport (FGF) officially opened for business today following the approval of its outline business case and the designation of its three tax sites in Grangemouth, Rosyth, and Mid-Forth (Leith and Burntisland) by the Scottish and UK Governments.
The public/private consortium, chaired by Dame Susan Rice DBE, anticipates that this development will attract new businesses and create jobs within the FGF area.
The initiative promises substantial economic and net zero benefits for Scotland and local communities in Fife, Falkirk, Leith, and beyond.
Focusing on key sectors such as offshore wind, hydrogen, sustainable fuels, modular manufacturing, and logistics, the FGF aims to support the re-industrialisation of Central Scotland and drive large-scale economic regeneration over the next decade.
Projections suggest the potential to attract £7bn in private and public investment, generating a gross value added (GVA) of £8.4bn.
This could lead to the creation of up to 38,350 well-paid, highly skilled green jobs, with nearly 19,000 of these being directly linked to the FGF’s target sectors and tax sites.
Dame Susan Rice DBE, Chair of Forth Green Freeport, said: “This is it, Forth Green Freeport is officially open for business.
“It is an important time for the Green Freeport as we move through the business case development phase to delivery for Scotland.
“Through innovations in offshore wind manufacturing, assembly, and commissioning, alongside innovative shipbuilding, modular assembly, and hydrogen manufacture, the country’s net zero targets can be boosted by Forth Green Freeport.
“This is a long-term project and one which we know will deliver real benefits to the local communities through economic growth, skills re-training and training, and access to high quality, green jobs.”
The potential of the FGF was underscored by Vestas’ consideration of the Port of Leith as a possible site for a wind turbine blade manufacturing facility.
This exemplifies how Green Freeport status can enhance Scotland’s renewable energy credentials, potentially creating hundreds of green jobs and supporting the just transition to net zero.
Investment incentives will only apply to businesses that commit to and deliver against a set of rigorous Investor Principles guiding all landowners and developers.
These principles include adherence to the Fair Work Charter, prioritising the rights, wages, and working conditions of employees, and compliance with Forth Green Freeport’s net zero commitments.
Dame Susan Rice added: “Strong governance is at the core of Forth Green Freeport as we focus sharply on ensuring that the Green Freeport operates to the highest standards.
“Workers’ rights will be protected, money will be spent wisely, and all of the investors we attract to benefit from the incentives that the Green Freeport offers will be as committed as we are to ensuring that the most significant beneficiaries from this long-term initiative are the people from the communities around the Forth Green Freeport.”
