Conventional ferry Norman Spirit has taken over from the seacat Norman Arrow on the Dover - Boulogne route.

The ferry came into service on Wednesday, November 11, after carrying out trials at both ports.

Nine of the 60 jobs on the Norman Arrow have been cut in the change-over by cross-Channel operator LD Lines.

Norman Arrow has gone to Portsmouth where it will start operating on the route to Le Havre in the spring, following the winter lay-over period.

A total of 38 staff have transferred from Norman Arrow to Norman Spirit, and 13 are remaining with the Norman Arrow during the winter.

Norman Spirit is a bigger vessel that can carry more freight and tourist traffic.

In a statement the firm said: "Despite the loss of some jobs during this winter period fleet switch, future employment opportunities will become available during 2010 seasonal operational periods of both the Norman Spirit (Dover - Boulogne) and Norman Arrow (Portsmouth - Le Havre) services."