Danish ferry operator DFDS has been working with the Scottish Government to reintroduce a freight and passenger vessel service between Rosyth and Dunkirk.
Minister for Agriculture & Connectivity Jim Fairlie has instructed officials to prepare a consultation on legislation that could see a direct trade route between Scotland and Europe restart three times per week with a sailing time of 20 hours.
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.
DFDS offers an extensive network that combines ferry, road and rail transport with complementary logistics solutions, with connections across Europe, Türkiye and North Africa.
It primarily transports trailer freight units on its ferries as well as 5.5 million passengers every year.
Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes has already written to Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander confirming the Scottish Government’s intent to do all it can to remove obstacles to the project.
Ms Forbes also sought confirmation of the UK Government’s willingness to address at pace the components of effective border control which remain reserved.
The proposed legislation would allow products arriving from the EU to be docked at Rosyth and then checked at the Border Control Post in Grangemouth.
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 to 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.”
A short consultation will be launched as soon as possible, with the Scottish Statutory Instrument planned to be made before Scottish Parliament is dissolved for the 2026 Elections.
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