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Ferry firm to end Rosyth service | Ferry firm to end Rosyth service |
(20 minutes later) | |
A ferry firm running services from Scotland to continental Europe is to stop operating out of Rosyth, the company has confirmed. | |
Superfast Ferries runs daily from Rosyth in Fife to Zeebrugge in Belgium. | Superfast Ferries runs daily from Rosyth in Fife to Zeebrugge in Belgium. |
The Greece-based company said the service would end in mid-September. Sources blamed fuel costs and passenger numbers for the decision. | |
Jim Tolson, Lib Dem MSP for Dunfermline West, said it was a "devastating blow to the local economy". | |
We regret to announce the discontinuation of the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry service as of 14 September 2008 Superfast Ferries | |
The service was launched six years ago and the crossing to the Belgian port takes about 18 hours. | |
It saves passengers and truckers having to drive via Hull or the English Channel ports. | It saves passengers and truckers having to drive via Hull or the English Channel ports. |
Each ferry can carry more than 1,000 passengers, 120 cars and 100 commercial vehicles. | Each ferry can carry more than 1,000 passengers, 120 cars and 100 commercial vehicles. |
Mr Tolson, said: "This is a devastating blow to industry and the local economy in Fife. | |
"I understand that the Scottish Government is negotiating with other operators to try to replace the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry route. | |
"I also understand that these negotiations are at a very early stage." | |
Monitor events | |
Mr Tolson added: "At present, any job losses have yet to be confirmed, but as local MSP I have already met with the transport minister to discuss the situation and will continue to monitor events carefully. | |
"I encourage any Superfast Ferry employees who are concerned about their future to contact me." | |
A statement from the company's board of directors said: "We regret to announce the discontinuation of the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry service as of 14 September, 2008. | |
"The last crossing will take place from Rosyth on 13 September, 2008 arriving in Zeebrugge the following morning. | |
"As per the company's fleet deployment plans for next year, the vessel Blue Star 1 will be redeployed as of the coming winter in the markets where Attica Group's vessels are presently operating. | |
"The Superfast Ferries offices will be available to assist all customers with information regarding reservations for travel dates after the 13 September, 2008." |