THE PEOPLE of Leith woke up to a spectacular sight today as the 293m long Carnival Legend cruise vessel docked at the port’s new deep water berth.
The 88,500 tonne vessel, a regular visitor to the River Forth, marked its inaugural visit to the Port of Leith with the first full marine trial of the outer berth.
Over 2,000 passengers and 930 crew were on board at the time.
Built to accommodate the world’s largest offshore renewables support vessels, Leith’s outer berth will be officially completed and handed over next month.
The berth boasts a heavy lift capability of up to 100 tonnes per square metre (t/m2), supported by 175 acres of adjacent land for renewables logistics, marshalling, and manufacturing.
Leith’s development is set to deliver Scotland’s largest renewable energy hub, significantly contributing to the country’s net zero carbon emissions targets.
This initiative also aims to support the country’s energy transition plans, boost local supply chains and create new high-quality green jobs.
At 293m in length, equivalent to around 25 buses or three full-sized football pitches, and with a tonnage of 88,500, the Carnival Legend dwarfs the nearby Royal Yacht Britannia.
Guests disembarked in Leith to enjoy pre-planned day excursions or visit the capital.
Stuart Wallace, CEO of Forth Ports, said: “Forth Ports is driving private investment into vital port infrastructure in our ports to ensure Scotland benefits from future low carbon industries, including offshore wind.
“Although designed and built for offshore renewables, this successful trial of the new deep water outer berth in Leith with the Carnival Legend is a true milestone for our business as we get Leith ready, ahead of the market, for future renewables projects.”
The Leith Renewables Hub will be part of the Forth Green Freeport’s strategically located tax sites, which aim to reindustrialise central Scotland.
This project is expected to generate thousands of high-quality green jobs by increasing trade and supporting business growth across the Firth of Forth.
