By Leeza Clark

FIVE DAYS after the final Superfast ferry sailed from Rosyth, a new operator has stepped in to the breach.

However, Scotland will have to wait till next spring to see the inaugural sailing of the new Rosyth- Zeebrugge service operated by Norfolkline.

The ship, to carry both freight and passengers, is still under construction in an Italian shipyard.

However, the ferry will be able to carry the same number of passengers as the former Superfast service and will have an increased freight capacity. It also has lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

First Minister Alex Salmond yesterday visited the Port of Rosyth to make the announcement that Forth Ports and the Scottish Government had secured the deal that will see the company, part of the Danish giant A.P. Moller-Maersk, initially run three ferries a week from each port.

And it was revealed that if the demand is there, Norfolkline’s ultimate goal is to bring in a second vessel to provide a daily service on the route.

The First Minister said, “Securing the continuation of this service is a real success story and hugely important to Scotland’s economy.

“We have worked closely with Forth Ports to ensure Scotland maintains a direct ferry link to Europe and I am delighted to announce that Norfolkline will now operate the Rosyth-Zeebrugge route.

“Maintaining connections with major European markets is vital for Scotland at a time of global economic challenges.”

Superfast, owned by a Greek company, began life in May, 2002, as a daily passenger and freight service using two ships, each of which was capable of carrying 620 passengers, 115 cars and 110 lorries.

That service was reduced to a single ferry in 2005.

In the six years it was operating, Mr Salmond said, it had carried nearly one million passengers, 4.2 million tonnes of freight and in 2005 generated around £3.4 million of tourism expenditure in Scotland.

“And, of course, by removing 1.38 million lorry miles from Scotland’s roads, it is an important contribution to the fight against climate change.”

Mr Salmond said he had no doubt that Norfolkline, which he said has huge experience—two million passengers used its Channel and Irish Sea routes last year alone—will build on the success of this established ferry route.

“The partnership with Forth Ports has avert-ed the loss of this vital transport link and instead given the many passengers, tourists and businesses who use this service the reassurance to plan ahead with confidence.

“Today’s announcement is particularly welcome as we prepare for one of our busiest times yet: our year of homecoming in 2009 when we will welcome friends and family from around the globe back to Scotland, many of whom I am sure will arrive by Norfolkline’s ferry.”

He said it was hugely important to restore the international connection from Scotland to mainland Europe and it was an exciting and positive time, with the possibility of a more extensive service if demand and the viability of the route was demonstrated.

“Securing this connection is a great success story for Fife and Scotland and a particular success in difficult economic conditions,” he added.

Charles Hammond, group chief executive of Forth Ports PLC, which worked to secure a new operator in the 15 weeks since Superfast’s shock announcement it was withdrawing from the route, said the link was of vital strategic important to Scotland and the firm was delighted to welcome Norfolkline, “a world-class freight and passenger service”, to Fife.

“There is a significant freight market that can be serviced by the Rosyth ferry and Norfolkline’s experience, coupled with the vessel’s freight capacity, will help to fulfil this potential.

“The new vessel will also offer environmental benefits,” he added.

He thanked Mr Salmond for his support and all the local MPs, MSPs and MEP who have helped in finding the new operator.

Norfolkline Ferry division’s managing director Kell Robdrup was pleased to be in Fife to revive the link.

“I understand the importance of this service to the Scottish public,” he said.

“Linking Scotland to the continent is a very meaningful endeavour as this brings people and business on both sides closer.

“I hope that passengers, freight customers and industries in Scotland and the continent will lend us their support.

“I believe the close co-operation with all parties will make this service a success,” he said, thanking Forth Ports and the Scottish Government for their support.

Of the break in service, Mr Robdrup said, “It is not a long time when you have to start up a new route and services and we were not able to find a suitable ferry for the route.

“We found one being built in Italy which will be delivered in April, hence the reason we could not start before then.”

The managing director added, “While there are still some issues to be resolved within the set timeframe, Norfolkline are confident that it is achievable given the experience and professionalism of all the internal and external parties involved in this project.”

The company, which employs over 2200 people in 14 countries across Europe and operates from 35 locations, will look into European subsidies.

The First Minister said there was a freight support grant available but Mr Robdrup stressed the company did not take subsidies into consideration when looking into new ventures and based its decision on commercial factors.

Fife Council leader Peter Grant welcomed the move and said it was clear how important the service was for Rosyth, Fife and Scotland.

“Fife is very proud to have provided the only ferry link with our European neighbours and we are delighted it will continue next year.

“Our ambition is that Rosyth is recognised as Scotland’s front door to our neighbours in Europe,” he said.

And he added he had never thought the future of the port was in question.

“From the day when I heard that Superfast was withdrawing, I never doubted Rosyth had a future and Fife Council was always convinced it was a route that could succeed.

“I look forward to it re-starting next year and to further expansion. I look forward to our gateway to Europe,” he said.

Fife’s environment, enterprise and transportation chairman Tony Martin added, “The ferry route is of vital importance to the local, national and international economy and is a lifeline for many Scottish freight operators.

“As well as working with Norfolkline, we’ll be working with our partners and tourist authorities to ensure that the new service is a resounding success.”