The ferry due to operate an all-year service between Newhaven and France sailed into Sussex today.
The 12,000 tonne Sardinia Vera, which can carry 600 passengers and 50 lorries, made its first crossing between Dieppe and Newhaven.
The voyage was held to carry out technical tests at Newhaven Port, which has been dredged to accommodate the vessel.
Dignitaries from the Seine Maritime region of northern France, which is negotiating to buy Newhaven Port from Sea Containers, were on board the Corsica Ferries-owned vessel.
The ferry is due to start operating in the next two weeks, but tense negotiations are continuing between Seine-Maritime's Conseil General and Sea Containers over whether the vessel will be allowed to carry passengers.
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