A direct trade route between Scotland and Europe could reopen under Scottish government proposals, with the aim of boosting access to the EU market for Scottish exports, which have been hit by Brexit.
The Scottish government has revealed this week that it has been working with Danish-owned ferry operator DFDS on plans for a freight and passenger vessel service from Rosyth to Dunkirk, three times per week with a sailing time of 20 hours.
There have been no direct roll-on/roll-off ferry services from Scotland to Europe, following the withdrawal of the freight-only Rosyth to Zeebrugge service in April 2018.
Minister for Agriculture & Connectivity Jim Fairlie has instructed officials to prepare a consultation on legislation that will enable the reintroduction of a ferry route between Rosyth and Dunkirk.
The changes would make it easier for Scottish businesses to export to the EU market and give flexibility on the location requirements for a Border Control Post (BCP).
Food and agricultural products must undergo biosecurity checks at a BCP before entering Scotland from the European Union and vice versa.The proposed legislation would allow products arriving from the EU to be docked at Rosyth and then checked at the BCP in Grangemouth.
Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes has already written to UK Secretary of State for Scotland, Douglas Alexander confirming the Scottish government’s intent to do all it can to remove obstacles to the project.
Forbes also sought confirmation of the UK government’s willingness to address at pace the components of effective border control which remain reserved.
Fairlie said: “This is a strategically important trade route for Scotland particularly for our agricultural sector and it is imperative that we do all we can to counter the negative impact we are experiencing to Scottish exports following our removal from the European Union.
“We will do all we can to ensure this direct freight and passenger ferry service to Europe is delivered as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
The Scottish government said a short consultation will be launched “as soon as possible”, with the Scottish Statutory Instrument planned to be made before Scottish Parliament is dissolved for the 2026 Elections.
