Forth Ports in talks to maintain ferry service to continent

Forth Ports has taken the initiative to ensure that Scotland does not lose its direct ferry connection with continental Europe at the end of this summer.

The ports operator is looking for a solution to enable “seamless” transfer of ferry service from Rosyth to Zeebrugge when Athens-based ferry operator Attica pulls discontinues service on the route on 13 September. Talks are currently underway with Shetland-based businessman, John White, who represents the ShetlandNorwegian Norshukon consortium. White has indicated that the consortium is interested in taking on the route.

It does not seem likely that the consortium will be ready to step in by 13 September, however, when Attica removes its Blue Star vessels from the route.

The Scottish secretary of transport, Stewart Stevenson, supports the Forth Ports initiative commented: “Are companies interested in the route? On the public record, I can say that John White of the Norshukon group has indicated an interest, and we are continuing discussions with it.

“We have approached everybody we can think of in this country and elsewhere. There are still options that may deliver a successful outcome.

“It will be extremely challenging to ensure there is no break in service — I want to manage expectations on that — but in the long term there will be opportunities.”

www.forthports.co.uk