A new ship is to operate on the Newhaven to Dieppe ferry route next season.

Ferry operator Hoverspeed is to replace the route's superseacat with a newer seacat catamaran.

The three year-old vessel will be brought in to service at Newhaven from March 31 when crossings are scheduled to resume after the winter layoff.

It is to be transferred from Dover, from where it has been operating on the route to the Belgian port of Ostend.

The seacat is 81 metres long with, space for 675 passengers and 145 vehicles. Like the superseacat, it will take two hours to complete the trip.

Its facilities are similar to those on board the superseacat, with guaranteed seats and aircraft-style service.

The seacat will make up to three sailings a day throughout the season, which ends on October 31.

Hoverspeed took over the route in April 1999. It has since become popular with travellers wanting a faste route to Normandy.

The company also intends to introduce new Apex fares for travel at any time during the 2001 season.