SeaFrance has suspended all services between Dover and Calais as the stricken company struggles to stay afloat. Passengers with tickets are being transferred to DFDS Seaways ferries between Dover and Dunkirk.

A SeaFrance operator said: “We have tried to get space on other ferries from Calais but we haven’t managed it so far.” Rivals are currently bidding for the business.

SeaFrance has been in administration since June 2010 and a decision on whether it will be sold or shut down was being made as TNT went to press.