Plans laid for first ever ferry linking Scotland and France

The route, which will be operated between Rosyth in Scotland and Dunkirk in France, will also re-open a direct link with the continent as a whole, with passenger services having ended between Rosyth and Belgium (Zeebrugge) in 2010.

Danish ferry operator DFDS has been working with the Scottish government and is considering a freight and passenger vessel service three timers per week. Sailing time would be 20 hours, the government statement says.

“Minister for Agriculture & Connectivity Jim Fairlie has instructed officials to prepare a consultation on legislation that will enable the reintroduction of a ferry route between Rosyth and Dunkirk,” the government says.

“The changes would increase access to the EU market for Scottish exports which have been negatively impacted by Brexit by allowing flexibility on the location requirements for a Border Control Post.”

“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,” he said.

“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.”

The plans are being laid out amid a major redevelopment of the Port of Dunkirk, which include new industrial zones, shore power connections, power stations and logistics terminals.