A new direct ferry service between Scotland and France is under consideration, with operations potentially commencing in the latter half of 2025. The proposed route, managed by Danish ferry operator DFDS, aims to connect Rosyth/near Edinburgh, with Dunkirk France.
The service, informally referred to as "Project Brave," was initially proposed in 2022 but faced delays due to funding constraints. Recent reports indicate that discussions on financing have resumed, raising the possibility of the project's advancement.
The planned ferry route would operate three weekly return trips, each with an estimated journey time of 20 hours, positioning it among Europe's longer ferry crossings. For comparison, the Portsmouth to Bilbao route currently ranges from 27 to 30 hours.
Scottish Member of Parliament Graeme Downie has highlighted that ~GBP 3 million (EUR 3.6 million) in funding is required to establish the service. Projections suggest that the route could initially accommodate 51,000 passengers annually, with potential growth to 79,000 passengers, contributing an estimated GBP 11.5 million to Scotland's economy.
If implemented, this connection would restore a direct maritime link between Scotland and mainland Europe, supporting both passenger and freight transportation. DFDS previously operated a freight-only route between Rosyth and Zeebrugge until 2018, which was discontinued following a fire onboard a freight vessel. The proposed Rosyth-Dunkirk route is anticipated to enhance trade and tourism, providing an alternative transport link between Scotland and the European Union.
As of now, no final confirmation has been announced regarding the launch date, and stakeholders await further developments.