The newest conventional ferry on the cross channel route was detained by safety inspectors moments before it was due to sail out of Portsmouth to Cherbourg.

The Norman Voyager has capacity for up to 800 passengers, 200 cars and up to 120 freight vehicles. On board facilities include 110 cabins, bar, restaurant, lounges, cinema and a shop. Passengers who were already on board the vessel were told to disembark after it failed tests relating to fire safety, watertight integrity and staff safety training.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said the company and crew had worked hard to address its concerns and has now been given the all-clear to sail.

Celtic Link sub-charters the vessel from LD Lines which, in-turn charters it from another company called Epic. A spokesman for Celtic Link said it was unlikely the ferry would leave Portsmouth until the bad weather was over.