Superfast Ferries have decided to withdraw their Rosyth to Zeebrugge crossing.

Sources in the company have blamed fuel costs and passenger numbers for the decision to cease the service.

A statement from the company's board of directors said: "We regret to announce the discontinuation of the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry service as of 14 September, 2008.

"The last crossing will take place from Rosyth on 13 September, 2008 arriving in Zeebrugge the following morning.

"As per the company's fleet deployment plans for next year, the vessel Blue Star 1 will be redeployed as of the coming winter in the markets where Attica Group's vessels are presently operating.”

Commenting on the news, a spokesman for Forth Ports said: "This is disappointing news as the ferry link is an important part of Scotland's access to European markets.

"Our own analysis shows that the route could easily attract 60,000 freight units, within a potential marketplace of 200,000 freight units, making this a viable, profitable route for an operator with the right mix of vessels and frequency of sailings.

“We will be working with the Scottish Government to attract potential operators with public sector support.”

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said the decision was "very disappointing".

He said: "We have been working closely with Superfast's parent company Attica to persuade them to continue to operate the route, as have Forth Ports. Ultimately this is a commercial decision for the company.

"Scottish Ministers are strongly committed to the continuation of this route, and will pursue all viable options to achieve continuity of a commercially operated service."

Labour has called on Alex Salmond to personally intervene after the announcement of the closure of the ferry service at Rosyth.

Labour’s Finance spokesperson Iain Gray said: “This is devastating news for the whole of Scotland but obviously most particularly Fife itself. The Rosyth ferry has been successful and has assisted Scottish businesses to trade and compete with companies across Europe.

“Alex Salmond needs to immediately personally intervene and ensure that representations are made to the company at the highest level.

“The Scottish Government should also be trying to ensure that other operators are approached to ensure a continuity of service at the Rosyth hub.”

Murdo Fraser, Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader and MSP for Mid-Scotland & Fife, said: “This is extremely disappointing news for the economy of West Fife. It was of course originally hoped that future routes could have been developed out of Rosyth to the continent and therefore this current state of affairs is even more sad. I am urging the Scottish Government to work as long and as hard as it can to find a replacement operator for what was a very popular service.”

Liberal Democrat MSP for Dunfermline West Jim Tolson said: “This is a devastating blow to industry and the local economy in Fife.

“I understand that the Scottish Government is negotiating with other operators to try to replace the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry route. I also understand that these negotiations are at a very early stage.

“At present, any job losses have yet to be confirmed, but as local MSP I have already met with the Transport Minister to discuss the situation and will continue to monitor events carefully.

“I encourage any Superfast Ferry employees who are concerned about their future to contact me.”

SEStran, the South East of Scotland Transport Partnership, has said it is very disappointed with the decision, adding that as the South East Scotland’s only direct sea-link with mainland Europe for passengers and freight, it believes that the ferry has an important role to play in the future development of the region’s economy.

SEStran chair Councillor Russell Imrie said: “This is a very surprising decision, and one which is difficult to understand on commercial grounds. The ferry is currently operating at capacity and actually turning away potential business. The loss of the ferry link will inevitably impact upon the economy of the region, and that of Scotland as a whole, as travellers and freight companies seek access to ferry services elsewhere.

“SEStran believes that a direct ferry link between South East Scotland and Europe is essential to the future development of the region’s economy. Providing such a service is a major commercial opportunity. If Superfast removes the existing service, we are confident that other operators will seize the chance to fill the gap.”

The Road Haulage Association’s Director for Scotland, Phil Flanders said: “This news will come as a tremendous blow to the hundreds of haulage operators for whom the Superfast ferry route to the Continent has become, literally, a vital lifeline.”

"We are particularly disappointed that all the work involved in bringing the ferry here in the first place and to keep it running efficiently has been in vain. This closure will have a serious affect on Scottish hauliers who will now have to travel many miles south before the Continental leg of their journey even begins. The knock on effects will include increased journey times and a vast increase in fuel costs.”