French union members have been trying to disrupt the new LD Lines’ service between Dover and Boulogne.

Around 100 protestors, carrying placards, gathered at the exit of the port of Boulogne on Thursday in an attempt to obstruct motorists using the new seacat, Norman Arrow, and the conventional ferry Cote d’Albatre.

But French police, and officers from the CRS riot police, ensured that traffic flowed smoothly, and after a few hours the protestors left.

It is believed they were trying to blame LD Lines for the financial problems being experienced by SeaFrance, where around 550 jobs may be lost as the company tries to overcome its difficulties.

A spokesman for LD Lines described the protest as "unacceptable acts" based on their ignorant assumptions of what they regard as so called "low cost" companies.