Cross-Channel ferry operators were waiting to see whether the promise of a new high-speed service linking Ramsgate and Boulogne would actually become a reality.

Euroferries, whose previous service was suspended in 2010, says it has entered into an agreement with Austal to secure a 102-metre trimaran for the service.

The company announced this week that it was also launching an express coach service to transport passengers between the Victoria coach station in London and Ramsgate.

There will be up to eight services a day and the coach will stop at Embankment, Tower Hill, Gillingham, Canterbury and Whitstable before arriving in Ramsgate.

The trimaran service is said to comprise four daily crossings and will cater for passengers, cars and luxury coaches. Departures from Boulogne will be at 7.10am, 12.10pm, 4.50pm and 9.30pm and return sailings from Boulogne will be at 00.50 and 10.50am, 3.30pm and 8.10pm.

The crossing will take 75 minutes, and fares will start at around £49 for a car and up to five people.