Investment will upgrade vital Border Force and Customs infrastructure at the port
A direct ferry route from Scotland to Dunkirk has today moved a step closer thanks to a £3 million UK taxpayer commitment.
Funded through the UK Government’s Growth Mission Fund, the investment will support the upgrade of vital Border Force and Customs infrastructure at the port. It was announced today [19 March] by the Scottish Secretary ahead of a visit to the Rosyth to meet senior figures from Forth Ports, international ferry operator DFDS, and the operators of the Port of Dunkirk.
The UK Government’s £3 million taxpayer funding is subject to the conclusion of a commercial agreement between Forth Ports (operator of the Port of Rosyth) and a ferry operator, as well as approval of their business case.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said:
Mathieu Girardin, Executive Vice President and Head of DFDS’s Ferry Division, said:
Stuart Wallace, Chief Executive Officer, Forth Ports said:
Daniel Deschodt, Executive Vice President of the Port of Dunkirk, said:
The new route - fifteen years after the last passenger service ended between Scotland and mainland Europe - would operate from Rosyth to Dunkirk with both freight and passengers, subject to a commercial agreement between Forth Ports and a ferry operator. It would link with Dunkirk’s state-of-the-art rail terminal, which connects the port to major centres across the European Union, opening up significant new opportunities for Scottish exporters.
The EU is a key market for Scottish businesses, accounting for nearly half (45%) of exports.
This new link would help drive economic growth in Scotland by strengthening logistical competitiveness, export capability and tourism opportunities. It would also create local jobs to support the ferry’s operation. It comes at a time when the UK and EU are seeking to strengthen cross border trade cooperation through the new EU/UK trade agreement.
Over the last two weeks, the UK Government has been running a series of masterclasses to help Scottish businesses sell their goods and services overseas. Experts were joined by the UK Business Centre in Lille to discuss the opportunities available in the French market and more widely in Europe.