Ferry News Archive
New Rosyth Zeebrugge ferry completes maiden voyage
Date: 21 May 2009 00:00 Source: Directferries.co.ukThe first voyage of the new ferry service linking Scotland to mainland Europe has just been completed.
The Scottish Viking, which will sail between Rosyth in Fife and Zeebrugge in Belgium three times a week, finished its maiden voyage this week and passengers were welcomed off the ship by Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond as it arrived into the Scottish port.
He said: "I'm delighted to welcome the Scottish Viking and its first homecoming passengers to Scotland... Maintaining connections with major European markets is vital for Scotland at a time of global economic challenges.
"But not only will the Scottish Viking allow access to important commercial contacts, it will be a boost for the local economy in Fife, and an environmentally friendly route home for Scotland's friends, family and visitors."
The ferry, run by Norfolkline, took over the route after it was discontinued by Superfast Ferries in September last year. Its departure from Zeebrugge however was delayed by several hours on Monday when the captain suffered a non-fatal heart attack and a replacement had to be found.
The Scottish Viking was built in an Italian shipyard and registered in Italy, and is therefore required to have an Italian captain on board. However, the ferry service will receive €2 million (£1.8 million) from the Scottish Government through a Waterborne Freight Grant.
As part of his welcome, the First Minister gave each passenger on the Scottish Viking's maiden journey a special ticket offer for The Gathering, an international clan gathering due to take place in Edinburgh in July.
The Gathering is part of Scotland's Homecoming Year celebrations, a series of events and festivities taking place throughout 2009 that are designed to put people from across the world back in touch with their Scottish roots.
For more information on the new ferry service or to make a booking, please visit our Norfolkline page.
More Ferry News from directferries.co.uk
Date: 24 May 2012 Source: P&O Ferries
Sail across the North Sea to Europe with P&O Ferries this Summer from as little as £199 return.
Date: 18 May 2012 Source: Brittany Ferries
Travel to France this Summer with Brittany Ferries by car with an additional passenger from just £175 return or from £87.50 return if you travel by motorbike (rider and pillion).
Date: 14 May 2012 Source: Grandi Navi Veloci
Italian ferry giant Grandi Navi Veloci have opened 2 new services connecting France with Morocco.
Date: 08 May 2012 Source: Brittany Ferries
Spend up to 2 days in France from just £99 return when you travel with Brittany Ferries by car and take an additional passenger or from £49.50 if you travel by motorbike (rider and pillion).
Date: 05 May 2012 Source: Corsica Sardinia Ferries
If you're planning on travelling to Corsica, Sardinia or Elba this Summer with Corsica Sardinia Ferries then take a look at our new ship guides and find out what it's like onboard before you travel!
Date: 01 May 2012 Source: DFDS Seaways
Take your car by ferry to France with DFDS Seaways from Dover to Dunkirk or Calais from just £19 return.
Date: 01 May 2012 Source: P&O Ferries
Spend up to 5 days abroad and pay just £49 return when you travel from Dover to Calais with P&O Ferries.
Date: 30 April 2012 Source: Toremar
Italian ferry operator Toremar is now available to be booked online across the direct ferries network.
Date: 25 April 2012 Source: P&O Irish Sea
Take your car on the ferry between Scotland and Northern Ireland with P&O Ferries and take a second passenger for FREE – a saving of up to £50 on a return crossing!
Date: 18 April 2012 Source: Stena Line
Take your car on any ferry to Northern Ireland or Ireland with Stena Line and take a second passenger for FREE – a saving of up to £50 on a return crossing!