Ptarmigan Shipping and DFDS have signed an agreement with the intention to investigate the possibility for a new ferry route between Rosyth and Zeebrugge, with a target date being early 2023 for freight.
A statement of intent from the two companies noted that this is subject to support from the market and stakeholders, “which will be our focus during the next few months”.
A further study is being carried out regarding the potential for passenger business on the route.
Douglas Chapman, MP for Dunfermline and West Fife, said: “This announcement is the culmination of months and months of work.
“Connections have been made with VisitScotland and VisitFlanders along with a commitment to explore a full range of tourism and passenger opportunities.
“Following Brexit we have identified many exporters who are keen to use a more direct route into key EU markets and every avenue is being explored to boost trade using this new, cost effective ferry service.”
He added: “We've found that the project has a high amount of public and commercial goodwill and the hard work will continue in both Scotland and in Flanders to make sure the service is a huge and sustainable success.”
The route was last open to freight in 2018, operated by DFDS, but a fire on board the Finlandia Seaways ship meant the company could not find a replacement and gave up on the loss-making route.
The ferry last carried passenger services in 2010, eight years after it first began sailing. It was Scotland's only direct sea link to Europe.
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