In a surprise move, DFDS Seaways have announced that they are dropping the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry service in mid December 2010. The Scottish Viking vessel will be withdrawn from the route and two new ro-ro freight only vessels will be introduced. The number of crossings will be increased from three to four per week – good news for freight customers, but of little consolation to passengers who will lose the only scheduled crossing from Scotland to mainland Europe.

DFDS recently took over NorfolkLine and hence the Rosyth to Zeebrugge route, but DFDS have said that the combined passenger and freight service never made money. Group vice-president Andreas Teschl said, “We are aware that the ferry service has provided an important link between Scotland and the continent.

“So it is a matter of deep regret that we have had to take the decision to no longer operate passenger services on the Rosyth to Zeebrugge route in the future.

“We know this decision will be disappointing to many people and we would like to thank all those who have supported us, particularly the Scottish Government, the travel and transport industry, as well as those passengers who have used the service and will continue to use the service until the end of the year.

He added, “However, we do believe the route has a future as a freight-only service and we not only want to keep the route alive, but we want to enhance the service we offer to the freight industry.

“We will, of course, continue our talks with the Scottish Government in order to find possible, economically viable solutions to introduce a passenger service in the future.”

Any passengers booked beyond December 15 will receive refunds. It’s a shame to see some of these longer distance routes being discontinued, particularly in light of P&O dropping the Portsmouth to Bilbao route at the end of September 2010.

Popularity: 1%