LD Lines and Transeuropa Ferries have announced a commercial agreement to launch a freight and passenger service between Ramsgate and Ostend.

It is due to start next month, and will initially involve one ferry - LD Lines' Norman Spirit, which currently operates between Dover and Boulogne. The ship will be renamed Ostend Spirit.

It will operate two return sailings a day, with a crossing time of four hours. The ship is expected to replace one of the current Transeuropa Ferries' fleet later in 2010.

Another ferry, the former Brave Merchant, will replace the Norman Spirit on the Dover-Boulogne route.

Starting between March 15 and 30, the two companies will co-operate on commercial aspects of the route.

The Ostend Spirit will continue to operate under the British flag and be branded in LD Lines' and Transeuropa Ferries' colours.

LD Lines' tourist fares on the Ramsgate-Ostend service will be available for cars and passengers, cars and caravans, motorhomes and motorcycles.

Launch offer fares starts from £24 single for a car and five passengers, subject to availability.