New Cross-Channel Ferry Service Starts

26 March 2010, 11:25 | Updated: 26 March 2010, 13:08

A new ferry service linking Ramsgate and Ostend starts on Saturday (27th march).

LD Lines and Transeuropa Ferries are jointly running two ferries between the ports for both passengers and freight.

There will be four return sailings each day with each crossing taking four hours.

The Oleander ferry can carry 1326 passengers, 127 cars and up to 42 freight vehicles while the other vessel, called Ostend Spirit, can take 1850 passengers, 700 cars and up to 110 freight vehicles.

The first sailing leaves Ostend at 8am on Saturday, and at midday the first ferry will depart from Ramsgate.

It's hoped the new service will dramatically increase the number of tourists visiting Thanet and the rest of Kent.