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Ferry firm to end Rosyth service
A ferry firm running services from Scotland to continental Europe is to stop operating out of Rosyth, the company has confirmed. Superfast Ferries runs daily from Rosyth in Fife to Zeebrugge in Belgium. The Greece-based company said the service would end in mid-September. Sources blamed fuel costs and passenger numbers for the decision. Jim Tolson, Lib Dem MSP for Dunfermline West, said it was a "devastating blow to the local economy".
The service was launched six years ago and the crossing to the Belgian port takes about 18 hours. It saves passengers and truckers having to drive via Hull or the English Channel ports. Each ferry can carry more than 1,000 passengers, 120 cars and 100 commercial vehicles.
Mr Tolson, said: "This is a devastating blow to industry and the local economy in Fife. "I understand that the Scottish Government is negotiating with other operators to try to replace the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry route. "I also understand that these negotiations are at a very early stage." Mr Tolson added: "At present, any job losses have yet to be confirmed, but as local MSP I have already met with the transport minister to discuss the situation and will continue to monitor events carefully. "I encourage any Superfast Ferries employees who are concerned about their future to contact me."
A statement from the company's board of directors said: "We regret to announce the discontinuation of the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry service as of 14 September, 2008. "The last crossing will take place from Rosyth on 13 September, 2008 arriving in Zeebrugge the following morning.
"As per the company's fleet deployment plans for next year, the vessel Blue Star 1 will be redeployed as of the coming winter in the markets where Attica Group's vessels are presently operating.
"The Superfast Ferries offices will be available to assist all customers with information regarding reservations for travel dates after the 13 September, 2008."
The service was launched six years ago and the crossing to the Belgian port takes about 18 hours. It saves passengers and truckers having to drive via Hull or the English Channel ports. Each ferry can carry more than 1,000 passengers, 120 cars and 100 commercial vehicles.
Mr Tolson, said: "This is a devastating blow to industry and the local economy in Fife. "I understand that the Scottish Government is negotiating with other operators to try to replace the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry route. "I also understand that these negotiations are at a very early stage." Mr Tolson added: "At present, any job losses have yet to be confirmed, but as local MSP I have already met with the transport minister to discuss the situation and will continue to monitor events carefully. "I encourage any Superfast Ferries employees who are concerned about their future to contact me."
A statement from the company's board of directors said: "We regret to announce the discontinuation of the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry service as of 14 September, 2008. "The last crossing will take place from Rosyth on 13 September, 2008 arriving in Zeebrugge the following morning.
"As per the company's fleet deployment plans for next year, the vessel Blue Star 1 will be redeployed as of the coming winter in the markets where Attica Group's vessels are presently operating.
"The Superfast Ferries offices will be available to assist all customers with information regarding reservations for travel dates after the 13 September, 2008."
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