Direct ferry trade route between Scotland and Europe could reopen, says minister

A direct trade route between Scotland and Europe could reopen under new plans, a minister has said.

Jim Fairlie, the agriculture and connectivity minister, has instructed officials to draw up a consultation on legislation to enable the reintroduction of a ferry route between Rosyth and Dunkirk.

The Scottish Government said the change would increase access to the EU market for Scottish firms.

Food and agricultural products must undergo biosecurity checks at a Border Control Post (BCP) before entering Scotland from the European Union, and vice versa.

The existing port at Rosyth is not able to facilitate border checks, but these are already in place just over 20 miles away at Grangemouth.

The proposed legislation would allow products arriving from the EU to be docked at Rosyth and then checked at the BCP in Grangemouth.

Following the withdrawal of the freight-only Rosyth to Zeebrugge service in April 2018, there have been no direct roll-on/roll-off ferry services from Scotland to Europe.

The Government said it is working with the Danish-owned ferry operator DFDS, and the company is considering a freight and passenger vessel service, three times per week, with a sailing time of 20 hours.

Mr Fairlie said: “This is a strategically important trade route for Scotland, particularly for our agricultural sector, and it is imperative that we do all we can to counter the negative impact we are experiencing on Scottish exports following our removal from the European Union.

“We will do all we can to ensure this direct freight and passenger ferry service to Europe is delivered as quickly and efficiently as possible.”