Passengers and crew were rushed off a P&O ferry in Dover after a bomb scare.
The ship was evacuated as military bomb disposal teams rushed to the Port of Dover to assess a suspicious package.
Photographs show hundreds of customers waiting inside the terminal at the Eastern Docks.
P&O Ferries' 6.40am sailing was cancelled as its customers were told to leave the ship after the discovery was made.
Delays are to be expected this morning to anyone crossing the Channel at Dover.
A statement from a P&O Ferries spokesman, released to KentLive, said: "A suspicious package was found on one of our ships this morning, the authorities are currently in attendance, and all passengers and non-essential crew have been evacuated as a precaution."
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Dover TAP, a traffic calming scheme, has been implemented on the A20 as HGVs queue and await to be placed on later sailings.
Port of Dover Police are at the scene and have reportedly been manning the entrance to Dover.
Some workers have been spotted waiting with passengers as more information comes to light.
Highways England has also taken to social media to warn drivers to expect potential delays due to the disruption.
P&O Ferries Updates tweeted: "We are sorry to advise that we are experiencing delays of up to 120 minutes on our #POcalais and #PODover routes."
The company added: "We apologise for the inconvenience caused."
DFDS Ferries is also affected by the chaos, with reported delays.
A spokesman said: " Unfortunately, due to security issues in the port, both Calais and Dunkirk ships are experiencing delays.
"Authorities are trying to resolve this ASAP.
"Apologies for any inconvenience caused."
Mirror Online has contacted Port of Dover Police for comment.
