New ferries set sail on Europe route

A NEW freight service begins today on a ferry route from Fife to Belgium.

DFDS Seaways will run the service from Rosyth to Zeebrugge, which will see two ships depart four times a week from each port. The new service has been introduced after the Rosyth-Zeebrugge combined freight-passenger route ended in December.

Route director Allan Hull said: "The freight service between Rosyth and Zeebrugge has been very popular with the haulage industry, which has recognised the benefits of the route providing the only direct Ro-Ro (roll-on, roll-off] link between Scotland and the Continent.

"While it was a matter of deep regret that the passenger service had to be withdrawn, we saw potential in enhancing the freight service to meet increased demand.

"Our new schedule will see two Ro-Ro ships operate on the route, with the number of sailings increasing from three to four departures a week."

Keith Brown MSP, Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, said: "The current weather conditions certainly highlight the benefit of having a direct route to Europe."