SpeedFerries says rival companies have tried to disrupt its service

SpeedFerries, which runs a single catamaran from Dover to Boulogne, said P&O offered cheap tickets only on sailings that coincide with its own.

As a result SpeedFerries has slashed its prices to just over �7.50 one-way.

P&O Ferries said it had to defend and protect its business because of new competition on the Channel.

Customers benefit

Chief executive of SpeedFerries Curt Stavis said his company had been forced to make a complaint.

"We've faced 100 different incidents where people have tried to disrupt our service," he said.

Mr Stavis stressed he was not complaining about the price war as it was beneficial to customers, but he was angry at the way his biggest rival was going about it.

"We never targeted anybody, we just offer low prices.

"P&O offers are only available on the same departures as SpeedFerries.

'Expand business'

"It's predatory pricing," he said.

At present SpeedFerries operate 10 crossings per day against P&O's 40.

Mr Stavis said he was keen to expand his business.

The cross-Channel price war intensified last month when P&O announced it was to offer a return crossing for a car and passengers for �60 - more than �30 cheaper than rivals SeaFrance and Eurotunnel.