Kent County Council is in talks with an industry group about renewing a service from Ramsgate to Ostend, Kent Online reported.
Congestion at Dover from growing freight traffic has put a run to Europe back on the agenda, the council believes.
TransEuropa Ferries, which last operated the route, went into administration in May 2013, owing Thanet council more than £3m ($4.6m).
The council added it had made it clear after TranEuropa's collapse that it would explore whether an alternative ferry operator could resume operations.
