NPP, it adds, 'appeared not to have assimilated its statutory responsibility for safety of navigation' and had 'taken insufficient steps to implement a safety regime sufficient for the safe operation of the current scheduled ferry service'.

The report questions the suitability of the 17,672gt vessel Dieppe for the safe operation of a service from Newhaven.

It also expresses concern that Transmanche is planning to introduce two new vessels of similar size on the route - despite having had no consultations with NPP over the size, power, propulsion or operating patterns of the ships and with no risk assessment of their operations having been done by the port.

The MAIB says it was 'extremely disappointing' that two ferries running a regular service to a UK port had failed to report six accidents, as required by UK law.

The report urges the Department for Transport to 'review the provision of powers necessary for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to effectively monitor implementation of the port marine safety code and provide direction, where necessary, to ensure necessary levels of safety are maintained'.