Ferry firm hopes to double sailings

Published on Monday 16 March 2009 20:58

THE new operator of mainland Scotland's sole European ferry link will double sailings next year if there is sufficient demand, the firm that runs Rosyth port in Fife hopes.

Norfolkline will relaunch thrice-weekly services between Rosyth and Zeebrugge in Belgium in May after they were abandoned by the Greek-owned Superfast last September.

Forth Ports said yesterday: "It is hoped the service will build up from the initial three sailings per week to six sailings per week, should the demand warrant it next year. The new vessel will offer both a freight and passenger service, and there is a significant amount of interest from Scotland's freight community."

The move – requiring a second ferry – would return sailings to the level operated by Superfast from when it launched the link in 2002 until 2005.

The Dutch-based Norfolkline said: "When the timing is right and the volume is justified, we will introduce a second vessel."