Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth and Plymouth to France and Spain have been suspended indefinitely following two days of strikes.

The company has been on a cost cutting drive following three years of losses, which has resulted in protests by some French crew members who are unhappy with working terms and conditions.

The only route which is unaffected by the strike is the Poole-Cherbourg passenger service which is operated on our behalf by Condor Ferries.

The company issued a statement which says: “Following the series of strikes which has been disrupting our services, our Board has reluctantly taken the decision to tie up the fleet and to cancel all crossings with immediate effect, until further notice.

“This decision has not been taken lightly, but we cannot subject our passengers to the on-going uncertainty caused by wildcat strikes and cancellation of services at short notice.

Brittany Ferries is contacting customers via telephone, email, SMS and Twitter but warned that this is “placing enormous pressure on our contact centre so our speed of response may not be up to its usual standards.”

Customers are being recommended to travel to Dover where special arrangements are in place with P&O Ferries and MyFerryLink to accept Brittany Ferries tickets Unused Brittany Ferries crossings will be refunded.

The company added: “Brittany Ferries very much regrets the effect the disruption will have on our customers but is hopeful that a resolution will be found soon, as discussions with the unions are on-going and will continue throughout the weekend.”