UK Set For New Direct Ferry Link To Mainland Europe In 2026

A new direct ferry service linking Scotland with mainland Europe could launch in 2026, with Danish ferry operator DFDS proposing an overnight route between Rosyth in Fife and Dunkirk in northern France.

According to plans outlined for the service – titled ‘Project Brave’ – the crossing would take around 20 hours and operate three times a week, positioning it among the longest ferry routes in Europe. If introduced, it would provide a rare direct sea link from Scotland to mainland Europe, following the end of the previous Rosyth–Zeebrugge passenger route, which was permanently withdrawn in 2010.

The DFDS service was first proposed in 2022 and had originally been scheduled to begin in spring 2025, but was delayed due to funding issues and the need to establish a new border control facility for certain goods at Rosyth. Officials are now reportedly working on removing the requirement for the facility, which could allow the project to move forward.

The route is expected to initially carry up to 51,000 passengers per year, with the ambition to increase capacity to 79,000 longer-term. MPs have estimated the service could provide an £11.5 million boost to the Scottish economy, supporting both tourism and trade.

Scottish MP Graeme Downie has previously backed the proposal, describing a regular passenger and freight ferry link as an “incredible boon” for the local and national economy, while acknowledging that further infrastructure at Rosyth would still be required before the service can begin.