Sturgeon pledges to explore all options for Fife ferry route

Talks already under way to maintain vital trade links to Europe

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said there is an “absolute determination” to see Rosyth’s ferry service to mainland Europe run again.

There was widespread shock when operator DFDS pulled the plug on the freight route from Fife to Zeebrugge.

With a serious fire on board putting one of the loss-making route’s vessels out of commission for many months, the company said it was closing the service permanently.

In response to Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser, Nicola Sturgeon said Transport Minister Humza Yousaf had already had talks with the ferry company while officials had had discussions with Forth Ports to look at the range of options which may be available.

“It is deeply disappointing and regrettable that the service has been withdrawn by the current operator.

“Not long after I became first minister, I was involved in discussions with that company to secure its future.

“We want to make sure that we explore all options to get a service running again,” the First Minister added.

“I was disappointed to learn of DFDS’s decision to axe the Rosyth-Zeebrugge ferry route as this is a blow to not just the local Fife economy but the wider Scottish economy as a whole,” Mr Fraser said.

“When the passenger route was axed in 2010, we were assured that the freight service would continue but here we are facing another cut.

“I would hope that the Scottish Government makes a concerted effort to find a new operator for the route should they fail to convince DFDS to reverse their decision.

“I welcome the First Minister’s commitment as it is vital that businesses have convenient access to freight routes to European markets.”

DFDS have operated the Fife-Zeebrugge service since 2002.