July 9 - DFDS Seaways and Forth Ports are to invest over EUR6 million (USD6.6 million) in the future of the Rosyth-Zeebrugge ro-ro freight route, following a meeting with Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon.
Sturgeon, Forth Ports ceo Charles Hammond, and DFDS Group ceo Niels Smedegaard discussed the investment plan, which includes new environmental technology, a fuel optimisation programme and infrastructure developments at the Port of Rosyth.
"We are very pleased with the investment programme as it will secure a long-term perspective for the Rosyth-Zeebrugge route and enable companies to continue to use a direct, environmentally friendly means of transport between Scotland and the Continent," said Stein van Est, route director at DFDS Seaways.
Sturgeon stressed that "the Rosyth-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."
Hammond added that the freight route was an important economic generator for Scotland, servicing the general, chemicals, food & drinks and automotive sectors.
A DFDS vessel sails under Scotland's iconic Forth Bridge.
