Bosses of the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry which will stop passenger services from December have described meetings with local politicians as “extremely valuable.”
DFDS Seaways, formerly Norfolkline, will run an enhanced freight route from then on.
The company hopes that by working with partners it can develop this new service into a long-term, successful operation.
Politicians have united to explore any way that passenger services on Scotland’s only direct sea route to continental Europe can be maintained.
DFDS Seaways has now said it has welcomed the opportunity to meet with Fife political leaders to outline its future plans for the Scottish Viking route.
Vice-president Andreas Teschl and Soren Jung, who will take over as route director on the service, met Fife Council and Mid Scotland and Fife Labour MSP John Park separately last week.
The company announced in August that passenger services will stop from mid-December and instead the route will operate as an enhanced freight service with two Ro-Ro ships, which specialise in freight.
Mr Teschl said the meetings offered the chance for DFDS Seaways to explain in more detail the reasons behind its decision.
He said, “I believe we were able to provide clarity over our decision to stop the passenger service and to express again our disappointment at this outcome.
“The meetings were extremely valuable, both in ensuring we were able to engage with key stakeholders in the Fife community and in outlining how the company is moving forward with its future plans for the Rosyth-Zeebrugge route.”
He added, “We want to ensure these meetings and exchanges continue in the future.”Hopes for “successful operation”DFDS Seaways had announced that the current combined passenger-freight concept was a constant loss-maker, with no prospect of the position changing, so it had no option but to stop the service.
Instead the firm hopes to increase freight sailings from each port, from three departures a week to four by operating two ships on the route, accommodating additional trailers, containers and up to 12 trucks per departure.
Mr Teschl said the visit to Scotland had also allowed Mr Jung to take part in a fact-finding exercise to explore options for the new freight-only service.
He said, “We will be looking to make an announcement on the new freight operation as soon as we are in a position to do so.
“We hope that by working closely with a range of partners, such as Fife Council, Scottish Enterprise, Forth Ports and the Scottish haulage industry, we will be able to develop this new service into a long-term and successful operation.”
The meeting with the council was attended by Councillor Douglas Chapman, transport committee chairman Tony Martin and Keith Winter and Pamela Stevenson from development services.
In a joint statement, Mr Martin and Mr Chapman said, “It was very good to meet with DFDS senior management and we had good and constructive discussion.
“Fife Council is very pleased to see the improvements in the freight service and the benefits that will bring to the Fife and Scottish economy.”
They added, “While we appreciate the difficult decisions DFDS had to make to withdraw the passenger service, we will continue to work with the company to fully explore any opportunities for another passenger service between Rosyth and the European mainland.”