Traders in Boulogne are keen to attract British tourists

Speed Ferries originally planned to be in operation this summer but announced on Friday that sailings would instead start next March.

The Danish firm, owned by Mols Line, has blamed negotiations with sub-contractors for the delay.

It was granted permission from Dover Harbour Board in February to run five Super Seacats a day from 1 May.

In its heyday Boulogne was the most popular cross-Channel port and attracted millions of passengers Nick Stevens, Port of Boulogne

The news is expected to be a blow to the French port, which has suffered an economic downturn since the last Dover to Boulogne ferry service ceased three years ago.

Nick Stevens, of Port of Boulogne, said the town hoped to win back its advantage over Calais, also served by ferries from Dover and a 40-minute drive away.

"In its heyday Boulogne was the most popular cross-Channel port and attracted millions of passengers every year," he said.

"There's now a lot of activity in the old town - hoteliers, restaurateurs, shopkeepers are all very active to attract that user market back to Boulogne.

"Of course a new ferry service arriving would mean great opportunities to regenerate that market."

Speed Ferries said the catamaran, which can carry about 200 cars and 800 passengers, would run from Dover's Eastern Docks from 31 March.

There will be five daily return trips across the Dover Straits, with a crossing time of 50 minutes each way.