There are no plans to resume a cross-channel ferry service

Roger De Haan bought the Kent port, which includes the former ferry terminal, from Sea Containers following months of negotiations.

He said operations at the port, which has been mothballed for several years, would continue as normal.

However, there are no immediate plans for a cross-channel ferry service to Boulogne to resume.

Future of town

Hoverspeed used to run summer fast ferry sailings between Folkestone and the French port, but cancelled the service to concentrate on its Dover to Calais route.

The last passenger crossings to Boulogne were in September 2000.

Contracts for the port were exchanged at the beginning of last month.

Mr De Haan, who was awarded the CBE for services to business, charity and education in the Queen's Birthday Honours, issued a statement saying the harbour was one of Folkestone's greatest assets.

He said that it had an important part to play in the future of the town.