PLANS are underway to launch a new direct ferry service between Rosyth, a town in Scotland, and Dunkirk.
Dubbed ‘Project Brave’, the 20-hour ferry route between Rosyth and Dunkirk was originally meant to launch in spring 2025.
Ferry operator DFDS is hoping to launch a route between Rosyth in Scotland and Dunkirk[/caption]
The ferry crossing from Scotland to Dunkirk (pictured) would take 20 hours[/caption]
While the lengthy route was first floated back in 2022, its launch has been delayed over a lack of funding, according to local newspaper Dunfermline Press.
Back in November, Scottish Labour MP Graeme Downie, said £3million was needed to help launch the service.
He said: “It is estimated the direct ferry link would initially carry 51,000 passengers a year, rising to 79,000, bringing an additional £11.5 million of spend to the Scottish economy.”
Ferry operator DFDS is seeking grants from the Scottish Government to help launch the route, with funding talks ongoing.
Former leader of the Alba Party, Neale Hanvey, said: “Industry agrees and ferry operators stand ready to deliver a route, but the Scottish government lacks the courage to support Project Brave.
Meanwhile, a DFDS spokesperson told Euronews: “Practical issues will have to be resolved before any new ferry service can be introduced.
“As it stands, the timeframe is currently looking like the second half of 2025.”
If the ferry service does launch later this year, the route would see three weekly sailings.
The crossing between Rosyth and Dunkirk will take 20 hours, making it one of the longest routes in Europe.
Currently, the longest ferry route in Europe is a service between Portsmouth and Bilbao, which takes at least 27 hours.
A sailing from Rosyth to Zeebrugge in Belgium previously connected Scotland to Europe.
The overnight crossing took 17 hours and operated four times per week.
However, the route was discontinued in 2008, following six years of service.
While it was reintroduced in 2009, the route was pulled again in 2010 because of insufficient demand.
Elsewhere in the UK, Harwich, a seaside town in Essex, already has a direct ferry service to Europe.
Brits looking to head to the Netherlands will be excited to know about Harwich’s ferry link to the Hook of Holland.
With a journey time of roughly seven hours, many tourists opt for the sleeper service so they can arrive in Holland early in the morning.
From the Dutch ferry port, Rotterdam is 40 minutes away by car, while a drive to Amsterdam takes just over an hour.
We’ve found return ferry tickets starting at £99 for a foot passenger.
Meanwhile, a new ferry route to ‘Maldives-style’ UK island loved by royals was scrapped last year.
And, here are four ways to save on the cost of flying by taking a boat with the best ferry deals.
It is hoped the route will launch later this year, although more funding is needed[/caption]
