Ferry company LD Lines will be signing an agreement with the Boulogne Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday for the launch of a new high-speed ferry service between Dover and Boulogne.

The service, which starts on May 29, will increase the number of return sailings a day between the two ports from two to six.

It will create more than 150 on board the craft and at Dover.

LD Lines managing director Christophe Santoni said: "With the introduction of this new high-speed ferry we will be dramatically revolutionising ferry transport across the Channel, with a style of service never experienced before on the Dover Straits."

The 112-metre long catamaran will be the largest ever to operate on the Channel and will be able to carry freight as well as tourist traffic and foot passengers.

The craft can accommodate 417 cars or a combination of lorries and cars, as well as up to 1,200 passengers.

The new service is being particularly welcomed by the authorities at Boulogne where a new ferry terminal is being constructed.