LD Lines has announced that it has received full approval for its new Dover to Boulogne ferry crossing in 2009.
Following the green light from the Port of Dover, LD Lines plans to launch the service on July 1st with four return sailings and journey times of one hour 45 minutes.
The vessel Norman Spirit, which currently operates the company's Portsmouth to Le Havre crossing, will be used to sail from Dover to Boulogne and will carry freight and tourist traffic, including cars, coaches and foot passengers.
Norman Spirit has the capacity to carry 1,850 passengers, 700 cars and 110 freight vehicles.
Christophe Santoni, director general of LD Lines, said: "We are delighted to have now received confirmation from the Port of Dover that our new Dover-Boulogne route has official approval and we look forward to a very positive, long-term working relationship with the Port Authority.
"Our entry into the highly competitive short sea cross-Channel ferry business is a major development for LD Lines. We are convinced that the service will undoubtedly attract new freight and tourist customers, which will benefit both Dover and Boulogne as departure and destination ports."
Bob Goldfield, chief executive of the Port of Dover, welcomed the new service at a time when the port is planning a second terminal to meet predicted growth in traffic.