Talks may resume on Wednesday to resolve a dispute which has resulted in a cross-Channel fast ferry being detained in Boulogne.

The SpeedFerries craft Speed One was impounded on Thursday over alleged non-payment of Boulogne port dues and taxes.

But SpeedFerries says it has its own dispute with the port over "serious competition and discriminatory issues".

These claims relate to the port’s dealings with French ferry operator LD Lines which is preparing to launch a Dover-Boulogne service next summer.

The ferry firm's chief executive, Curt Stavis, said the impounding of Speed One was totally unexpected as written confirmation had been given that no legal steps would be taken before a meeting planned for Friday.

He said SpeedFerries, in consultation with its financial advisors, would present to that meeting a proposal to resolve the issues.

Mr Stavis also said that counterclaims his company had made against the port had been ignored.

And he hit out because the "unpredictable and inconsistent" actions of the port authority meant SpeedFerries was unable to inform customers, employees or business partners of a firm date for the resumption of services.

Talks over the weekend came to nothing and Tuesday was a public holiday in France. It is hoped that discussions would resume on Wednesday.

SpeedFerries has been operating between Dover and Boulogne since May 2004.