No-one on the Egyptian-flagged bulk carrier, WadiHalfa, and the British-registered cargo vessel, Scot Isles, was injured in the incident.
A Dover Coastguard spokesman said the collision caused minor damage and the Scot Isles was being assessed.
The spokesman added: "The collision occurred in our area but because the ships drifted, it was reported instead to the French coastguard who took control of it."
He said the bulk carrier was allowed to continue on its journey.