Future of Rosyth-Zeebrugge freight route secured

The DFDS-owned Finlandia Seaways ferry runs from Roysth to Zeebrugge in Belgium. Picture: Contributed

A memorandum of understanding was signed by DFDS Seaways, the Scottish Government and Forth Ports, lifting the threat to the service which will continue to be managed by DFDS.

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Scotland’s only roll-on, roll-off ferry link to continental Europe had been threatened with closure after DFDS said it would have to switch from heavy fuel oil to more expensive low-sulphur marine gas oil to meet a new European directive.

Forth Ports warned this would increase charges on the freight-only ferry by 20 per cent, prompting firms to switch to English ports and DFDS said unless there were changes it would move the ferry to its Teesport route.

DFDS has now been persuaded to stay after the Scottish Government agreed a £156,000 grant to both DFDS and Forth Ports while the Scottish port operator also agreed to make crucial structural changes.

The agreement was signed by chief executive of DFDS Niels Smedegaard, First Minister Alex Salmond and Forth Ports group chief Charles Hammond.

Mr Smedegaard said: “We are very pleased to be able to continue this freight route.

“We have always been very committed to this route and we are very satisfied we were able to find a solution to maintain the service in light of the forthcoming sulphur requirements, which will pose enormous challenges for the transport industry.”

The Rosyth-Zeebrugge route will continue to be the only freight service between Scotland and continental Europe and DFDS Seaways will maintain its existing sailing schedule with the vessel, Finlandia Seaways, offering three departures in each direction each week.

In addition to this, DFDS Seaways and Forth Ports announced infrastructure improvements at the Rosyth terminal will allow the double-stacking of containers on board the vessel, increasing freight capacity.

Mr Salmond said: “The Scottish Government has always maintained the Rosyth to Zeebrugge Service is a vital link for our economy and the large number of customers who use it to get their goods in and out of Scotland. I was delighted to be able to work with Forth Ports and DFDS and sign this important memorandum of understanding that outlines the key efforts that each party is undertaking to ensure that the service will continue following the introduction of the new sulphur regulations on the 1 January.

“All parties fully recognise the challenges that lie ahead and the additional pressures that new regulations bring for Scotland’s only continental ferry service. However, this commits us to continue to work together to secure the service and look at new ways of increasing and improving its capacity in the longer term.”

Mr Hammond, said: “This service is a very important economic generator for Scotland, servicing the chemicals and food and drinks sectors as well as general exports/imports and the import of new vehicles for the Scottish market.

“Since the route commenced in 2002, Forth Ports has been committed to working with everyone involved to maintain and enhance the service. The arrangements in place under the memorandum of understanding include making further enhancements to the infrastructure at the port to allow the handling of double-stacked containers and develop the volumes.”

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