AN SNP MP is calling for the new green port at Rosyth to be recognised as a ‘city port’ now Dunfermline has become Scotland’s eighth city.

The former royal burgh of Dunfermline was granted city status as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022, with nearby Rosyth becoming one of two Scottish green freeports jointly selected by the Scottish and UK governments in 2023.

Douglas Chapman has argued that the area should now become a ‘city port’ to “build prosperity and economic opportunity for our local communities” with closer cooperation between Rosyth and Dunfermline.

The Dunfermline and West Fife MP said: “By working together in partnership on planning ambitions and creating positive engagement with local groups, Dunfermline and Rosyth are in a position to make sure there is no repeat of the mistakes of past freeports, where surrounding areas were locked out of job opportunities for instance.”

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The port in Rosyth has been supported by up to £52 million in start-up funding and will benefit from tax reliefs and other incentives through a combination of devolved and reserved powers due to its green port status.

The Scottish Government’s green port ambitions include requiring them to contribute towards a just transition and net-zero emissions by 2045, while delivering net zero benefits and creating new green jobs. However, the Scottish Greens have previously criticised the green ports.

MSP Ross Greer previously said the deal struck meant there are “no hard requirements for the companies to meet climate targets or implement fair work practices”.

Chapman (below) pointed to the merged port of Antwerp and Zeebrugge, which has been described as the “economic engine” of Flanders, as a marker of success.

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He said: “The Port of Antwerp-Bruges as it is now called, contributes 4.5% to the Belgian GDP and provides over 160,000 jobs through its cargo terminals, distribution centres and as Europe's biggest chemical cluster.

“Its focus on reinventing itself as the world’s most sustainable port recognises the economic benefits inherent in going green, with currently 86% of their energy generated by onsite renewables. They are also collaborating internationally on a greenport masterplan – it will be interesting to find out if our ambitions at Rosyth could be part of such an international collaboration."

Chapman said it also brings the prospect of a new Scotland to Europe ferry from Rosyth into focus.

“Scottish global trade ambitions are currently stifled by Brexit, and our negotiations on the ferry are currently stalled due to financial issues,” he said.

“I hope the latter can be rectified to bolster and grow our ambitions for and benefits from the former to connect both the City of Dunfermline Port and Scotland to Europe by sea once again.”