Huge Rosyth Investment 'Will Secure Jobs'

A €6m - or £4.3m - investment in the Rosyth to Zebrugge freight route will help secure jobs at the dockyard for the future.

The boost will pay for infrastructure at the port to be upgraded, and for environmental upgrades to be made to the ferry. It's one of the most important import and export routes between the UK and continental europe. Ferry operators DFDS Seaways is joining forces with Forth Ports to provide the funding.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "The Rosyth to Zeebrugge freight route is a vital link for Scotland’s economy and hugely important for the large number of customers who use it to get their goods in and out of the country. 

"It is therefore extremely welcome news that DFDS is to continue to operate this service. The investment in port improvements by Forth Ports is also a vital component of increasing the capacity and efficiency of the service. Along with all parties we are committed to work together to look at new ways of increasing and improving its service for years to come."

The investment plan by DFDS includes the investment in a technology that removes sulphur from the exhaust gases - the so-called scrubber technology - and a fuel optimisation programme on the DFDS vessel operating on the route. It is hoped this investment will help to secure the long-term sustainability of the route. The scrubber will be installed during the vessel’s next dry-dock period by the end of this year.