A new high speed ferry service linking Kent with the French port of Boulogne has hit troubled waters before the service has even set sail.

Euroferries, which will operate the cross channel route, has found its new 'Bonanza Express’ vessel is currently unable to dock in Ramsgate.

The port’s existing linkspan, which is used to load or unload vehicles onto and off the ferry, is understood not to fit the 96-metre catamaran.

Dr Stephen Ladyman, the MP for South Thanet, who was instrumental in clinching the Euroferries deal, said: “I believe the company has already held meetings in Boulogne and was due to meet port officials here last week to discuss some of the technical issues.”

A holding page on Euroferries’ website states that engineers are working in both Ramsgate and Boulogne “to ensure the fastest turn around time for customers.”

The setback is expected to delay the introduction of the service, which was due to launch this week.