Published: Thursday, 4th September, 2008 11:47am

Future of Rosyth ferry link still in doubt

by Gary Fitzpatrick

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THE future of the Rosyth Euroferry is still unclear with just over a week to go before Superfast sails out of the Forth for the last time.

Politicians who were told weeks ago that a rescue deal was imminent are now not so sure that a replacement operator can be in place to prevent a break in the Rosyth-Zeebrugge service.

The Scottish Government and Forth Ports have been giving little away since the hunt for a new service provider got underway.

As time runs out, rival ferry company DFDS has been advertising its Newcastle-Holland service on a mobile hoarding this week, parked near the Rosyth terminal.

However, hopes remain alive that a last-ditch deal can be pulled out of the hat.

The Press revealed last month that one of the companies considering taking over the route is the Dutch firm Norfolkline.

Since the Scottish Parliament resumed business earlier this week West Fife MSPs have been trying to find out just what is going on.

The Scottish Government has been giving assurances it has been trying all it knows to secure a vessel for the route.

The Press had reported in May that finding a suitable ship at a time of high demand was expected to be a difficult hurdle to overcome.

“As I said back then, these ships are as rare as hen’s teeth and that’s still the same,” said Shetland businessman John White, who hopes to start a ferry linking Norway, Zeebrugge and Rosyth.

His plans depend on EU funding and a decision on his application was expected in July.

“I’ve still heard nothing from Brussels which is frustrating to say the least. I’ve not heard anything from the Scottish Government either,” said Mr White.

Labour MSP John Park said yesterday (Wednesday), “There’s still no word on any announcement on the ferry.

“I spoke briefly to Stewart Stevenson (transport minister) and he was trying to make clear they’ve been doing all they can to try to find another company.

“That may be the case but they should have been doing more a lot earlier when they were warned that Superfast could be pulling out.”

Lib Dem MSP Jim Tolson said, “We’re all still hoping a new operator can come in although it’s getting very late in the day.

“A break in the service would not be the end of the world in itself but we obviously need a new firm in as quick as possible.”

Phil Flanders, the Road Haulage Association Scottish director, said, “Most of our members are now looking to make other arrangements. They couldn’t wait for ever and they’ve had to make other plans.

“Forth Ports and the Government have been working hard to find another operator but it’s going to be difficult now to find this seamless transition.

“Once firms start using other ports it will be more difficult for Rosyth to win back the business. Some members are having to go back to using Dover.”