Fresh UK Government talks to take place over proposed return of Scotland to mainland Europe ferry link

The UK Government is set to launch a fresh round of talks in the hope of restoring a ferry link between Scotland and mainland Europe.

Passengers last travelled on the crossing between the Firth of Forth and the port north of Bruges in Belgium in 2010, after which the route became freight only.

However, it was terminated completely in 2018 when one vessel caught fire during the crossing and it was deemed economically unviable to continue.

Danish-owned ferry operator DFDS had proposed to start three return freight and passenger sailings from Rosyth to Dunkirk in May this year, but decided to put the plan on hold after the operators said the Scottish and UK Governments failed to provide financial backing.

The ferry operator said at the time that this lack of “commitment” made the business case for the route “less viable” – with the project since stalling.

Edinburgh & East

New Scotland to France ferry service ‘on hold’ over lack of public funding

DFDS had proposed to start freight and passenger sailings from Rosyth to Dunkirk in May.

Now, local Labour MP Graeme Downie is set to hold a meeting with the UK Treasury “as quickly as possible” to discuss using the National Wealth Fund to help with the upgrades needed at the port in Rosyth with a view towards making the route a reality as soon as spring 2025.

He said: “The potential of the Forth Estuary is yet to be fully realised, and while economic growth and wellbeing remains a key focus for this government, it is the right time to explore options to return a ferry route from Rosyth to the European mainland.

“I can confirm that discussions with the UK Treasury regarding the potential use of the National Wealth Fund to support upgrades at the Port of Rosyth are a priority. These upgrades are critical to enabling the proposed Rosyth-to-Dunkirk ferry service, which has the potential to deliver substantial economic, environmental, and tourism benefits for Scotland and the wider UK.

“I have also written to the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Transport. Realising these ambitious plans require funding, but other barriers to delivering this service can be tackled with the powers available to the Scottish Government.

“As outlined in my recent adjournment debate in parliament, the revival of this ferry link could significantly boost the local economy, reduce freight traffic on roads, and align with our net-zero commitments. With a modest investment of £3 million, the required infrastructure improvements at Rosyth could be completed, paving the way for the service to be operational by spring 2025.”

The MP said the estimates are that the ferry would initially carry 51,000 passengers a year, rising to 79,000, and as well as the boost to the economy it would take 8.2 million km of freight traffic off UK roads each year.

He said the infrastructure needed was “not extensive” and it would take as little as “£3m investment” to restore the service.

“I am actively working to bring all relevant stakeholders, including Treasury representatives, to the table at the earliest opportunity”, he added. “This project is an excellent example of how targeted investment can deliver quick, tangible benefits for our coastal communities while enhancing Scotland’s connectivity with Europe.”