Scheduled launch of ferry service connecting France and Scotland in 2026

After years of stagnation, the revival of the Rosyth-Zeebrugge freight-only service is gaining traction. The idea for the route was first mooted in 2022, but talks never progressed due to new post-Brexit border rules. However, a recent announcement of a new agreement with the EU aimed at easing trade by 'reducing the red tape' has breathed new life into the project.

The EU's Entry/Exit System for UK passengers would have required significant investment in security equipment and costly adjustments to port infrastructure. But, the use of a Border Control Post (BCP) facility at Grangemouth, 24 km from Rosyth, could be a temporary solution until a permanent agreement is reached.

Scottish MP Graeme Downie has welcomed the breakthrough, describing it as an "incredible boon" for the Dunfermline and Scottish economy. The Scottish Government needs to legalize the use of Grangemouth for the service, requiring cross-GB consensus.

The Danish ferry giant DFDS plans to launch a passenger and freight service in spring 2026. The route will connect Rosyth in Fife with Dunkirk in France and is named 'Project Brave'. The service could inject around £11.5 million into the Scottish economy each year.

The journey will be one of the longest in Europe, lasting 20 hours. However, the service is expected to carry 51,000 passengers initially, with projections reaching 79,000.

Historic villages like Culross, part of the Pilgrims Way Walk to St. Andrew, are located in Fife. Culross has recently been a filming location for shows like Outlander. The Fife Coastal Path is suitable for walking and cycling holidays, making the region an attractive destination for tourists.

The service is backed by major Fife employers, including Amazon and the seafood company Mowi. The route will restore Rosyth's only direct link to mainland Europe, which was lost when the Zeebrugge service ceased freight operations in 2018.

Scotland Secretary Ian Murray has written to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed, and to the First Ministers of Scotland and Wales, outlining a plan for the passenger and freight service to operate without a BCP at Rosyth.

Dunfermline, Scotland's newest city and its ancient capital, is the final resting place of its kings and queens. The revival of the Rosyth-Zeebrugge service promises to bring economic growth and cultural tourism to this historic region.