Scottish international operators have been handed a lifeline by freight ferry operator Norfolkline, which has stepped in to revive the Rosyth to Zeebrugge route.
However there will be at least a seven-month gap until the crossings resume. Outgoing operator Superfast cited rising fuel costs and passenger numbers as reasons for terminating the service.
Norfolkline says it will begin carrying freight and passengers from the spring in a brand new RO-PAX (roll-on, roll-off passenger) ferry, which has increased freight capacity and lower fuel consumption.
It will offer three sailings a week as before, and follow the same schedule. The company claims it aims to bring into service a second vessel to provide a daily service, but no date for this has yet been announced.
A statement from Norfolkline says it does "not expect a significant increase in price" and that its customers will pay only a reasonable fare.
The statement adds: "There are many practical issues to be resolved before we finally put a ship in and run a service. Ferry operations are costly and investment is significant. Safety and efficiency in ports and the suitability of the vessel are two very important factors."
Phil Flanders, Road Haulage Association director for Scotland, says: "We are pleased that at last some of the uncertainty surrounding this route is reducing. For the next seven months or so, hauliers will have no option but to travel to other ports. This will add to their costs and undoubtedly reduce their competitiveness."
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