The Forth Green Freeport consortium is poised to bring a substantial boost to the region, anticipating £7 billion in private and public funding over the next decade. The consortium, spanning key areas such as Grangemouth, Leith, Rosyth, Burntisland, and Edinburgh Airport, has submitted its "Outline Business Case" (OBC) to both the Scottish and UK Governments, a crucial step toward attaining freeport status.

With a strategic emphasis on offshore wind manufacturing and the production of alternative fuels, the Forth Green Freeport aims to be a driving force in job creation, anticipating up to 38,350 jobs. Nearly 19,000 of these jobs will be directly associated with the targeted sectors. The overall Gross Value Added (GVA) is projected to reach £8.4 billion.

Leith, Burntisland, and Rosyth are earmarked for growth through the manufacturing of the next generation of offshore wind components, including floating offshore wind. The consortium envisions stimulating innovative shipbuilding and advanced modular manufacturing and assembly at Babcock’s site in Rosyth. Simultaneously, Grangemouth will play a crucial role in supporting the transition from hydrocarbons to alternative fuels and energy sources.

The Forth Freeport bid, selected by both the UK and Scottish Governments in January, encompasses 552 hectares across Grangemouth, Leith, Rosyth, Burntisland, and Edinburgh Airport. Notably, the Burntisland site is being joined with Leith to create the "Mid-Forth tax site."

Comprising prominent entities such as Babcock International, CalaChem, Edinburgh Airport, Falkirk Council, Fife Council, Forth Ports, Ineos, Scarborough Muir Group, City of Edinburgh Council, and The Royal Navy (HMS Caledonia), the consortium represents a powerful collaboration driving economic growth and sustainability.

The OBC is now set for review and approval, a crucial step that will pave the way for the Forth Green Freeport to become operational. Subsequently, the consortium plans to develop a final business case in Spring 2024, seeking seed capital funding from both the Scottish and UK Governments to further support the Green Freeport initiative.