EU subsidy could keep Rosyth ferry afloat
Ferry Online Travel News 04/08/2008
The only ferry service linking Scotland with the European continent could be saved with a subsidy from the European Comm
Superfast, the ferry company currently operating the Rosyth-Zeebrugge route, will end its service in September, due to financial considerations, according to company officials.
The EU Commission is now saying that a new ferry operator will be eligible for a subsidy of up to 30 per cent.
Four ferry companies, one from Scotland, two from Norway and one from Denmark, have indicated interest in taking over the route from Fife to the European continent.
Rather than simply operating service between Rosyth and Belgium, it’s possible that the service could run to Norway, with a stop at Shetland on certain days of the week.
Ensuring the replacement of the existing Superfast service by next year’s holiday season will be a significant benefit for the hundreds of Scottish travellers who make use of the ferry for their escape "under the bridges” - who otherwise would need to drive south to Hull for the nearest ferry service.
Proposals will have to be submitted to the commission by the end of September in order to be considered for the subsidy. Consideration of all proposals will be made by the EU commission in December.
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