Ferry bosses' search for new ship draws a blank

But they have been unsuccessful in their search and will continue to use the vessel, which is chartered from Corsica Ferries, for at least another year.

Transmanche suffered a loss of business last year when safety inspectors banned the Sardinia Vera, which is chartered for 5 million a year (more than 13,000 a day), from carrying passengers. It was discovered its crew lacked essential fire and emergency proficiency.

Work was also ordered to repair leaking bow doors and its sprinkler system.

The Sardinia Vera runs in tandem on the Newhaven-Dieppe route with the Dieppe, which is owned by Transmanche, a public company headed by the French county council of Seine Maritime.

Transmanche Newhaven operations manager Steve Forrest said: 'The Sardinia Vera will be here for at least another year.

'They (the French) were looking for another ship to replace the Sardinia Vera, which is chartered, and call it the Newhaven.'

However, a suitable boat could not be found and instead it was decided to renew the contract with Corsica Ferries.

Mr Forrest said Transmanche was still committed to running two ferries on the route and freight traffic continued to increase.

He added: 'We can't provide a decent schedule for customers with only one ship.'