LOW-cost fast ferry operator SpeedFerries has broken even in its first year of operations.

The company, which launched operations between Dover and Boulogne last year, exceeded its budgeted 100,000 car ticket sales in the first half of the year.

To celebrate its success, the company is offering an extra free ticket for all customers booking a return ticket during December.

Chief executive officer Curt Stavis said he had been surprised by the amount of hostility he received from within the industry following the launch. As a result, the slogan Fight The Pirates was painted on the side of the craft Speed One.

Mr Stavis said: “We had to realise that the concept of a low cost ferry service was so unpopular within the industry that we found ourselves in extremely hostile waters to an extent we never imagined.

“But we were saved by the strong support of the media and our loyal customers who secured the success of the Dover-Boulogne service.”

He said 95 per cent of all communications from customers had been positive, thanking the company for the concept and the service.