Ian Wilson to expand rail freight offering at Forth Ports

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Forth Ports, the UK’s third largest ports group that owns and operates eight commercial ports in the UK – Tilbury on the Thames, Dundee on the Firth of Tay and six on the Firth of Forth – Leith, Grangemouth, Rosyth, Methil, Burntisland and Kirkcaldy – has appointed rail freight expert Ian Wilson as its new intermodal and logistics development manager to focus on the rail offering in Tilbury and Grangemouth.

A respected, senior executive who is highly experienced in the rail freight, logistics and supply chain industry, Ian previously worked for Eddie Stobart for 20 years in a number of roles, latterly as business development manager in its rail freight division. He joined Forth Ports in August and will work across the group, focussing on the rail investment in both Tilbury and Grangemouth. Working with Ross McKissock and Derek Knox, Ian will champion Forth Port’s unrivalled seamless interconnectivity to sea, rail and road to the market.

Commenting on his appointment, Stuart Wallace, chief operating officer, said: “We welcome Ian to the team.

“Ian’s appointment comes at an important time for Forth Ports as we focus and invest in our rail offering across the UK. We have invested over £250million to create Tilbury2 and, when the rail head opens at the port later this year, it will be capable of handling the longest freight trains on the tracks. We also have a multimillion-pound investment programme underway in Grangemouth to further enhance our rail offering, providing a seamless link between our hubs on the Thames and Grangemouth.

“We have dedicated direct rail services between our ports enabling customers to get their goods from the south east into the central belt of Scotland in a time, carbon and cost-efficient manner. Ian brings a wealth of experience in rail freight through his time with Eddie Stobart and he has a strong track record in delivering results in the sector.”

Commenting on his appointment, Ian Wilson said: “This is an exciting time for Forth Ports as they position their key ports in Tilbury and Grangemouth as unrivalled rail hubs. I am confident that there are a number of opportunities in the market for businesses looking for a flexible, efficient and greener solution on rail. I am looking forward to playing my part in securing this business.”

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