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2012 - Archive

February 2012 (19 Articles)
January 2012 (64 Articles)

Ferry chiefs in talks ahead of launch

Norfolkline freight manager Wim Fossaert (left) and route director Bas Van Helden at the meeting in Edinburgh yesterday. Representatives from ferry operators Norfolkline were in Edinburgh yesterday, to address politicians and business leaders ahead of the launch of their Rosyth to Zebrugge service. It was announced that The Scottish Viking-which will service the route-will have a range of benefits for freight providers including greater capacity, faster loading times and refurbished port services. Currently under construction in Italy, the new vessel will have 2250 lane metres and guaranteed year- round capacity for over 110 trailers for commercial customer use. Freight manager for Scotland, Wim Fossaert, said, "We think that it is very important to have a balance between passengers and freight. "The logistic picture needs to fit the whole year and there are large periods during the summer months when there will be more passengers than at other times, but we must still accommodate freight customers who need a reliable service the whole year round. "Freight provides a more steady income over the course of the year. "As soon as the volumes justify it we would look at bringing on extra vessels to provide greater capacity. "However, at this stage we have not yet made a choice and we must first look at the continental markets." A three-lane loading design and a new check-in system will cut loading times, allowing hauliers to board the ship up until 4pm at Rosyth and 5pm in Zebrugge, where the port has been redesigned. In addition, a new team has been set up providing a dedicated freight manager for every account. Mr Fossaert said, "Companies are now looking closely at how much they must ship and if savings can be made in all areas such as fuel, haulage and working time directive. "The volume is there and it must still be shipped, but it is now a matter of where money can be saved. "For people in the central belt of Scotland and further north, driving down south to ship goods is costing them so much that they are bleeding money daily. "The haulage industry has already shown great interest in bookings for the new ferry, because it has the capacity to save them this long round trip." Norfolkline have revised their initial decision not to allow foot-passengers on board and will be announcing a scheme with pricing in March. The company is expecting an even amount of customers from both countries, compared to previous route operators Superfast, who found around 70% of ferry users were Scots. Despite the economic downturn, route director Bas Van Helden is confident the crossing will prosper in the long term. He said, "Of course this is not the best period to be making significant investments, although we are confident we can make the service work based on the business model we have planned from. "I think everyone would like the current financial situation to improve as quickly as possible, but nevertheless we have planned with these problems in mind. "When you make investments the period looked at should not be one or two years, it should be 10 or more. "This route is crucial for Scotland's economy and we have undertaken serious research to ensure it is viable for both our passenger and freight markets. "We are confident that not only will this route survive, but will hopefully ultimately expand to provide a desperately needed freight service for Scotland to the continent." Plans are in place to link into this year's Homecoming Scotland celebrations by tapping into Scottish themes. Norfolkline's market research shows family groups and motorcycle groups are the main passenger users during the busy summer months, while in low-season couples take the ferry for mini-breaks. The Scottish Viking will boast a bar, restaurant, cinema, children's play area, light entertainment, bands and shopping facilities. MSP for Dunfermline West, Jim Tolson, said, "The resumption of the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry line is great news for people and local businesses in Dunfermline and Fife. "Norfolkline have confirmed that they will be putting in place public transport connections that will allow for better transition from the ferry terminals to more central transport hubs in Europe. "I am glad that the route will now be managed by such a well-respected company," he said.