A direct ferry route from Scotland to Dunkirk has today moved a
step closer thanks to a £3 million UK Government commitment.
Funded through the UK Government's Growth Mission Fund, the
investment will support the upgrade of vital Border Force and
Customs infrastructure at the port. It was announced today [19
March] by the Scottish Secretary ahead of a visit to the Rosyth
to meet senior figures from Forth Ports, international ferry
operator DFDS, and the operators of the Port of Dunkirk.
The UK Government's £3 million funding is subject to the
conclusion of a commercial agreement between Forth Ports
(operator of the Port of Rosyth) and a ferry operator, as well as
approval of their business case.
Chancellor of the Exchequer said:
My plan to build a stronger and more secure economy is the right
one - cutting the cost of living, cutting the national debt and
creating the conditions for growth.
Backing Rosyth with this £3 million investment would be a major
boost to Scotland's infrastructure and tourism, and would make
the area a more attractive place to live, work and start a
business in the years to come.
Scottish Secretary said:
With the UK Government delivering £3 million in investment, this
new direct ferry service would connect Scotland to Europe's
doorstep. The UK Government is backing Scottish businesses to
grow, export and compete on the world stage.
It would boost tourism, open up new markets for Scottish
businesses, create jobs, take freight off our roads and grow
Scotland's economy. This is a big step forward and I hope we will
soon see the first ferry set sail. This is a major vote of
confidence in Scotland's, and the UK's, economic future.
Mathieu Girardin, Executive Vice President and Head of DFDS's
Ferry Division, said:
We are pleased to see the UK Government's commitment to
strengthening port infrastructure in Rosyth. This is an important
step in bringing a new route between Scotland and mainland Europe
closer to reality. While a few elements still need to be
addressed, we see strong potential in the route and look forward
to continuing our discussions with all partners involved to move
the project forward.
Stuart Wallace, Chief Executive Officer, Forth Ports said:
Forth Ports welcomes this step from the UK Government to support
the growth of the maritime freight and passenger sector in
Scotland. A ferry service from Rosyth to mainland Europe is
a key part of the Forth Green Freeport and this funding helps
create the market conditions needed to see the ferry take a step
closer to reality .
Daniel Deschodt, Executive Vice President of the Port of Dunkirk,
said:
The establishment of a direct maritime link between the ports of
Rosyth and Dunkirk is a significant strategic asset. This new
freight and passenger ferry service will enhance connectivity
between the two countries, facilitating smoother trade flows and
serving as a powerful catalyst for economic growth. It will
stimulate port activity, boost local employment, and strengthen
the logistics, competitiveness, and tourism of both regions
within Europe.
The new route - fifteen years after the last passenger service
ended between Scotland and mainland Europe - would operate from
Rosyth to Dunkirk with both freight and passengers, subject to a
commercial agreement between Forth Ports and a ferry operator. It
would link with Dunkirk's state-of-the-art rail terminal, which
connects the port to major centres across the European Union,
opening up significant new opportunities for Scottish exporters.
The EU is a key market for Scottish businesses, accounting for
nearly half (45%) of exports. This new link would help
drive economic growth in Scotland by strengthening
logistical competitiveness, export capability and tourism
opportunities. It would also create local jobs to support
the ferry's operation. It comes at a time when the UK and EU
are seeking to strengthen cross border trade cooperation through
the new EU/UK trade agreement.
Over the last two weeks, the UK Government has been running a
series of masterclasses to help Scottish businesses sell their
goods and services overseas. Experts were joined by the UK
Business Centre in Lille to discuss the opportunities available
in the French market and more widely in Europe.
