Scottish Viking completes her maiden voyage from Zeebrugge to Rosyth
Rosyth, May 19 2009
Scottish Viking, the specially-commissioned ship that will service the new Norfolkline Rosyth-Zeebrugge route, made her very first journey up the Firth of Forth to Rosyth on Tuesday (May 19th) to be welcomed by Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond.
With Captain Dominico Comisso at the helm after a last minute change due to illness, it was full steam ahead to launch the new Rosyth-Zeebrugge service.
Fresh from the shipyard in Italy via Zeebrugge, the Scottish Viking reinstates Scotland’s only continental ferry link. The route is a vital transport link for Scotland and will make a significant economic contribution in terms of carrying both leisure passengers and freight to and from Scotland.
Since Norfolkline announced its plans last year, interest in the new service has been high, with buoyant advance bookings from both commercial customers and leisure clients. Initially the vessel will operate three sailings a week each way, although Norfolkline has already expressed interest in increasing the frequency dependent on demand.
Commenting on the launch of the new route, Thomas Woldbye, CEO and group managing director of Norfolkline, said:
“This is an exciting day for Norfolkline and we are proud to be launching this new venture. We have created a team here in Scotland which will be working hard to ensure that the long-term future of this route is secure and that this important link to the Continent delivers positive results for many years to come. Our thanks go to the Scottish Government and the many other Scottish organisations and companies who have given us overwhelming support to get this new route off to a good start”
As Scottish Viking berthed at the Port of Rosyth, the First Minister greeted the first passengers and freight to arrive on Scottish soil. In the company of Captain Dominico Comisso he toured the new ship with Thomas Woldbye of Norfolkline and Geert de Proost, representative of the Flemish Government in the UK while the vessel prepared for embarkation for its first sailing to Zeebrugge.
First Minister Alex Salmond said:
“I’m delighted to welcome the Scottish Viking and its first homecoming passengers to Scotland. Securing the continuation of this service is a real success story and hugely important to Scotland's economy. That’s why I’m pleased to announce two million Euros in funding through a ‘Waterborne Freight Grant' to support the service.
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.
I’m sure the Scottish Viking will be glad to find that it has arrived at Rosyth and not Up Helly Aa, but passengers will still find Scotland’s reputation for festivals, fun and entertainment well deserved. This year, with a programme of over 300 inspirational Homecoming activities throughout the year – there is no shortage of unique events to get involved in.”
Commenting on the importance of the route as a gateway to Flanders, Belgium and the wider continent, Geert de Proost added:
“We value our current links with Scotland in terms of culture, tourism, trade and history and look forward to expanding on these through the easy access this new route brings. We are committed to strengthening existing partnerships and establishing new ones through the creation of two new task forces which will look at the opportunities for both trade and passenger traffic.”
Norfolkline has worked closely with the Scottish Government, Forth Ports, VisitScotland, Scottish Enterprise and Fife Council to put the infrastructure for the new route in place.
Commenting on the partnership working, Charles Hammond, chief executive of Forth Ports Limited, said:
“Today we are not just witnessing the arrival of the Scottish Viking but a new chapter in Scotland’s relationship with the Continent and all the economic rewards that will be possible from this. The new service has been made possible through strong partnership working and the goal of Forth Ports will be to help our partners realise the untapped potential both for tourism and the freight market which we believe is sizeable and will, now more than ever, welcome the cost saving benefits of shipping by sea.
Utilising the Scottish Viking will make freight journeys faster and more efficient and this in turn will deliver significant environmental benefits."
Crawford Gillies, chairman of Scottish Enterprise, added:
"Scotland's links with mainland Europe are critical if we are to remain globally competitive. This route provides Scottish businesses with quick, reliable access to markets offering new growth possibilities. I am delighted to welcome Norfolkline to Scotland and to the Rosyth-Zeebrugge route, and wish them every success with their operations"
Philip Riddle, VisitScotland chief executive said:
“VisitScotland is delighted to be working in partnership with Norfolkline to further enhance the appeal of Scotland as a holiday destination for Europeans. Direct access to a destination is a key consideration when visitors plan their holiday and we are certain the new route from Zeebrugge to Rosyth will provide an excellent means of access for those taking touring holidays and provide Scotland with an invaluable link for European visitors.”
About the Rosyth-Zeebrugge service
Norfolkline will conduct three sailings a week each way between Rosyth and Zeebrugge, with departures from Rosyth at 17:00 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, arriving at Zeebrugge at 14:00 local time. The service returns from Zeebrugge on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 18:00, arriving in Rosyth at 13:00 local time.
Scottish Viking comprises 107 spacious cabins and 57 Pullman reclining seats. Cabins are arranged as 52 four-berth inside cabins; 45 four-berth outside cabins; plus two two-berth accessible cabins for passengers with disabilities.