A freight ferry route from Ramsgate could be running by the end of the year according to the company aiming to run the service - despite no agreement being signed.

Seaborne Freight hopes to start sailings between Ramsgate and Ostend and has launched a website advertising the journey.

But Thanet District Council says although they are in ongoing discussions nothing has yet been agreed.

When approached, chief operating officer Glenn Dudley said the company was "not yet ready to make any public announcements" and refused to comment further on plans to Thanet Extra.

Last October, Belgian Mayor Johan Vande Lanotte confirmed that a basic agreement had been agreed and that the line was due to open on March 1 this year.

Five months later, however, there is still no confirmation of a start date.

Ferry services have not operated from the port since 2013 after the collapse of operator TransEuropa, which left the council with unpaid berthing fees of £3.4 million.

In April, Thanet District Council confirmed it was in commercial talks with authorities in Belgium and Seaborne Freight.

On its website, the company says: "Seaborne Freight serves the needs of cross channel freight traffic.

"Freight ferry services operate between Ramsgate and Ostend and offer facilities uniquely tailored to the needs of the freight industry and their drivers."

Online booking and recruitment opportunities on the website are said to be 'coming soon'.

Thanet District Council says they are in discussion with Seaborne Freight.

A spokesman said: "Thanet District Council has been working on reestablishing ferry service at the Port of Ramsgate.

"There are ongoing discussions with Seaborne Freight to consider the future of a potential ferry operation.

"No agreements have been signed."