RHA welcomes replacement ferry announcement

The announcement of a replacement ferry service from Rosyth operated by Norfolk Line is good news for the freight industry and Scotland as a whole. However we have some concerns at the lengthy gap in the service, moreso now that there is uncertainy and potential capacity constraints at other ports due to the fire at the Channel Tunnel which could possibly be out of action for freight for some considerable time.

Phil Flanders, Scotalnd & Northern Ireland Director says "We are pleased that at last some of the uncertainty surrounding this route is is reducing. For the next 7 months or so hauliers will have no option but to travel to other ports. This will add to their costs and will undoubtedly reduce their competitiveness.

"The RHA will work with the Scottish Government, its agencies, Forth Ports and the ferry operator to do all we can to make this route a success again. A lot of hard work will be needed in the interim to encourage freight and passenger traffic back but we are confident that those who have benefited from this route in the past will be easier convinced than when this route first opened back in 2002.

"We were disappointed when Superfast announced their withdrawal in May with the last sailing on Saturday 13th September and hope that the new operators will have a long and successful link with Scotland."