A new 'green' cross-Channel ferry service launches next month - offering a very different travel experience to that currently available.

New company SailLink is to start operating 'fast commercial sailing catamarans' between Dover and Boulogne.

It will be the first service to sail between Kent and the historic French port for more than 10 years.

And if the pilot scheme goes to plan, the next route it hopes to launch will run from Ramsgate to Dunkirk.

However, billed as a new sustainable service, it will only cater for foot passengers, cycle tourists and small groups.

Capacity on the sail-powered vessels will be just 12, with the journey time taking four hours.

It will go head-to-head with the major ferry operators who sail to nearby Calais in 90 minutes, or Eurotunnel which takes a mere 35.

Founded by Andrew Simons, a boatbuilder, sailor and environmental scientist, SailLink was conceived "as an adventurous and green option for travelling from England to France".

He worked with experience sailor Jim Duerden, a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) catamaran sailing instructor, to develop the service.

Mr Simons said: “We’ve received enthusiastic support from both the Port of Dover and port authority at Boulogne-Sur-Mer and greatly look forward to the launch in September.”

A pilot phase will launch between September 10-18 with tickets available now via the firm's website.

If all goes to plan, a daily service will go live next spring.

If sea conditions dictate the route is unsuitable, a deal has been struck with the major ferry operators to get passengers across the Channel.

Its vessels will be fitted with electric propulsion for marina access and auxiliary power.

Christian Pryce, chief commercial officer at the Port of Dover, added: “We’re excited to play a part in this innovative project with SailLink, which ties their vision to deliver sustainable and active travel across the Channel in with the port’s ambitions to become an entirely Green Shipping Corridor.

"Dover’s strategic location on the Short Straits crossing makes us an ideal location for the launch of this service and we look forward to working alongside the SailLink team on their upcoming pilot and to see how their operation develops.”

If the pilot project goes smoothly, SailLink plans to schedule one return crossing a day.

Border checks will take place on departure and arrival by mobile border agents.

SailLink adds its routes are designed "according to the prevailing winds and tidal streams", as well as the accessibility and suitability of the ports.

Boulogne was once a highly popular cross-Channel port - with the town easily accessible by foot from the terminal.

Prices for the pilot phase are £85 for an adult one-way and £150 for a return.