The Condor Islander was last night due to depart for Guernsey and then onward to Portsmouth, but the sailing was delayed until this morning.
A Condor Ferries spokesperson said this was because the ship’s starboard side “came into light contact” with the east berth in St Helier harbour on arrival yesterday.
Passengers heading to Guernsey had to instead stay in hotels in Jersey overnight.
The Condor spokesperson added: “The vessel was assessed by engineers and remained overnight in Jersey before continuing to Guernsey this morning and then on to Portsmouth.
“Passengers bound for Guernsey were accommodated by Condor in hotels in Jersey and freight shipments are being realigned onto other vessels in the fleet.
“Condor regrets the inconvenience caused.”