Freight News, Sea


Border Control Post plan could pave way for Rosyth ro ro reinstatement

[ November 13, 2025   //   ]

Scottish Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity Jim Fairlie has instructed officials to prepare a consultation on legislation that could pave the way for reintroduction of a ferry route between Rosyth and Dunkirk.

Rosyth has no Border Control Post (BCP) for agri goods but one is already in place just over 20 miles away at Grangemouth. The proposed legislation would allow products arriving in Rosyth to be checked at the BCP in Grangemouth.

The Scottish government says the changes would increase access to the EU market for Scottish exports which have been affected by Brexit.

There has been no direct ro ro services from Scotland to Europe since Maersk ended its operation in April 2018.

However DFDS has been working with the Scottish Government and is considering a freight and passenger vessel service, three times per week with a sailing time of twenty hours. A short consultation will be launched as soon as possible, with the Scottish Statutory Instrument planned to be made before Scottish Parliament is dissolved for the 2026 Elections. 

Jim Fairlie said: “This is a strategically important trade route for Scotland particularly for our agricultural sector and it is imperative that we do all we can to counter the negative impact we are experiencing to Scottish exports following our removal from the European Union. We will do all we can to ensure this direct freight and passenger ferry service to Europe is delivered as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

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