A “need for repositioning” of the replacement vessel being used on the Jersey to Portsmouth route meant DFDS had to cancel a sailing last night.

The Danish shipping firm has apologised to affected customers and said that the ship, Côte D’Albâtre, was due to re-commence operations from Portsmouth this morning.

The ferry sailed there from Dieppe in France to serve as an alternative for another of DFDS’s freight and passenger ferries.

The Stena Vinga is temporarily being used for sailings between Jersey and St Malo while the high-speed vessel that was meant to operate the route – Tarifa Jet – is out of service.

In a statement this morning, a DFDS spokesperson said that last night’s departure to Portsmouth had to be cancelled “due to the need for repositioning”.

It continued: “The vessel will re-commence operations this morning from Portsmouth.

“All affected customers were contacted, offering free amendments to their bookings plus accommodation for this evening.”

DFDS route director for Jersey, Chris Parker, added: “We apologise to customers affected by these changes and appreciate their understanding and patience at this time.

“Our focus remains on ensuring our passengers can travel with minimal disruption.”