Red Funnel services to and from Southampton have been cancelled and an amended timetable has been released after one of its vehicles was forced out of service. 

Red Funnel has released the new timetable which will cover December 23 and 27. 

It comes as Red Falcon is unable to return to service due to ongoing repairs alongside other essential maintenance. 

The company's freight-only vessel, Red Kestrel has been deployed to help ease demand. 

All customers are being contacted to offer new crossing times including arrival advice for December 27 which is expected to be busy. 

READ MORE: Red Funnel to cut Red Jet late night crossings as demand falls

Passengers travelling on Sunday 24, Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 December are unaffected.

Sailings at 2.15pm and 5.15pm from Southampton, as well as 3.45pm and 6.45pm from East Cowes have been cancelled today (December 23). 

Further services at 5.15am and 5.15pm from Southampton as well as 6.45am and 6.45pm from East Cowes on December 27 have also been cancelled. 

Leanna Lakes, Operations Director at Red Funnel, said: "We apologise for the changes to our timetable as we complete essential maintenance.

"We understand how important travel is over the holidays and thank our customers for their patience and understanding.

"Rest assured, crossings on Christmas eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day are unaffected."

Red Funnel's Red Jet service remains unaffected and is currently running to timetable. 

Timetables and travel updates can be found on Red Funnel's website.