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Ferry firm to end Rosyth service Ferry firm to end Rosyth service
(40 minutes later)
A ferry firm running services from Scotland to continental Europe is to stop operating out of Rosyth, the company has confirmed.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.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". The Scottish Government said it was "disappointed" as it was "a commercially successful service".
We regret to announce the discontinuation of the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry service as of 14 September 2008 Superfast Ferries Fleet deployment
The service was launched six years ago and the crossing to the Belgian port takes about 18 hours.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. 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."
"I understand that the Scottish Government is negotiating with other operators to try to replace the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry route. The company said that the vessel which operates on the route will be redeployed in other markets where it currently operates.
"I also understand that these negotiations are at a very early stage." Scottish Ministers are strongly committed to the continuation of this route, and will pursue all viable options to achieve continuity of a commercially operated service Transport MinisterStewart Stevenson
Monitor events Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said the decision was "very disappointing".
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. He said: "We have been working closely with Superfast's parent company Attica to persuade them to continue to operate the route, as have Forth Ports. Ultimately this is a commercial decision for the company.
"I encourage any Superfast Ferry employees who are concerned about their future to contact me." "Scottish Ministers are strongly committed to the continuation of this route, and will pursue all viable options to achieve continuity of a commercially operated service."
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. He said the government would seek to identify an alternative commercial operator for the service.
"The last crossing will take place from Rosyth on 13 September, 2008 arriving in Zeebrugge the following morning. Potential marketplace
"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. Russell Imrie, South East Scotland Transport Partnership (Sestran) chairman, said the decision was "difficult to understand on commercial grounds".
"The Superfast Ferries offices will be available to assist all customers with information regarding reservations for travel dates after the 13 September, 2008." He said: "The ferry is currently operating at capacity and actually turning away potential business.
"The loss of the ferry link will inevitably impact upon the economy of the region, and that of Scotland as a whole, as travellers and freight companies seek access to ferry services elsewhere."
A spokesman for Forth Ports said: "This is disappointing news as the ferry link is an important part of Scotland's access to European markets.
"Our own analysis shows that the route could easily attract 60,000 freight units, within a potential marketplace of 200,000 freight units, making this a viable, profitable route for an operator with the right mix of vessels and frequency of sailings."
The Lib Dem MSP for Dunfermline West, Jim Tolson, said: "This is a devastating blow to industry and the local economy in Fife."