FAST-FERRY operator SpeedFerries is about to buy a second craft and could be running two catamarans out of Dover by Easter.

The company is also thought to be in advanced negotiations to secure the lease of the hoverport at the Western Docks, which has been empty for nearly a year, since Hoverspeed folded.

SpeedFerries could be in a position to start operating both craft out of the hoverport by April.

A senior company manager, who asked not to be named, said SpeedFerries was about to close a deal on one of two catamarans. At 91 metres, the second craft is likely to be slightly larger than SpeedOne.

He added: “It is likely the second craft will arrive in January, which coincides with a refit of SpeedOne. The refit should be complete by Easter, when we hope to be offering a two-craft service.

"Negotiations concerning berthing at the Western Docks are looking very positive."

In May it was thought that Euroferries, a company which has been promising a new high-speed service between Dover, Calais and Boulogne, would get the lease to the hoverport.

Euroferries is still in negotiations to buy luxury catamaran the Spirit of Ontario, berthed in New York. But American reports suggest the company has four other bidders.