Ferry services from Dover were disrupted on Wednesday

SeaFrance cancelled three sailings of the Cezanne on Wednesday, and also had problems with car deck access on the Rodin, the firm's flagship ferry.

The Manet was stranded in Dover after industrial action by French seamen on Wednesday morning, the company said.

The operator faces further problems on Thursday with the possibility of further port blockades in France.

"SeaFrance regrets that a national strike by French seamen has resulted in an unforeseen stoppage by the SeaFrance Manet," a spokesman said on Wednesday.

"In addition, this situation will almost certainly result in disruption of services on Thursday with possible blockades on the road systems around the ports due to national strike action."

The Dover Harbour Board has said strikes planned in France are in response to laws being discussed in the French parliament on Thursday.

A spokesman for the port said SeaFrance crews were likely to strike and P&O traffic could be affected.