The funding, announced on Thursday, will be used to upgrade “vital” infrastructure at the Rosyth ferry port if a deal can be struck on reopening a route to the continental mainland.
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander is due to visit the port to meet senior figures from Forth Ports, international ferry operator DFDS, and the operators of the Port of Dunkirk.
There has been no direct ferry route from Scotland to Europe since April 2018, when the freight-only Rosyth-to-Zeebrugge service was withdrawn following a fire. The last that carried passenger services was in 2010.
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Proposals to reopen the route were eventually shelved, but then replaced with plans for a Dunkirk ferry route instead.
The UK Government said its offer of £3m in funding is “subject to the conclusion of a commercial agreement between Forth Ports (operator of the Port of Rosyth) and a ferry operator, as well as approval of their business case”.
Mathieu Girardin, executive vice president and head of DFDS’s ferry division, said: “We are pleased to see the UK Government’s commitment to strengthening port infrastructure in Rosyth.
“This is an important step in bringing a new route between Scotland and mainland Europe closer to reality.
“While a few elements still need to be addressed, we see strong potential in the route and look forward to continuing our discussions with all partners involved to move the project forward.”
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Stuart Wallace, chief executive officer at Forth Ports, said he welcomed the funding commitment which would help “create the market conditions needed to see the ferry take a step closer to reality”.
And Daniel Deschodt, executive vice president of the Port of Dunkirk, said: “The establishment of a direct maritime link between the ports of Rosyth and Dunkirk is a significant strategic asset.
“This new freight and passenger ferry service will enhance connectivity between the two countries, facilitating smoother trade flows and serving as a powerful catalyst for economic growth. It will stimulate port activity, boost local employment, and strengthen the logistics, competitiveness, and tourism of both regions within Europe.”
Scottish Secretary Alexander (above) said: “With the UK Government delivering £3m in investment, this new direct ferry service would connect Scotland to Europe’s doorstep.
“The UK Government is backing Scottish businesses to grow, export and compete on the world stage. It would boost tourism, open up new markets for Scottish businesses, create jobs, take freight off our roads and grow Scotland’s economy.
“This is a big step forward and I hope we will soon see the first ferry set sail. This is a major vote of confidence in Scotland’s, and the UK’s, economic future.”