The Dover Seaways hit the harbour wall at about 08:00 GMT
The Dover Seaways ship struck the dock as it departed for Dunkirk at 08:00 GMT. Passengers and crew were evacuated.
Paramedics said four people were taken to hospital with "bumps and bruises".
A spokeswoman for the ferry company said: "We would like to underline that passenger safety is of paramount importance to us."
"We're working hard with all passengers and relevant authorities to provide assistance to those involved," she added.
The ferry is currently being assessed for repairs, she said.
The Port of Dover said the DFDS Seaways ferry was now safely berthed at the Eastern Docks.
South East Coast Ambulance Service said the injured were taken to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford.
"None of them are thought to have suffered life-threatening or serious injuries," a spokesperson said.
Carsten Jensen, senior vice president of DFDS Seaways, said: "All 320 passengers and freight have now disembarked the vessel and those who chose to continue their journey have been accommodated on other ferries.
"I would like to apologise to all passengers and freight customers who have been affected by this incident."
The Port of Dover said an investigation would begin to find out what happened.
Joan Tiernan, a passenger on board at the time of the crash, tweeted: "On Ferry. Car reg bingo now. Shop looks like it's been ram raided. Disabled woman knocked unconscious."
Sea conditions in the English Channel were slight to moderate and visibility was good just before the ferry set off on its journey, the port said.
BBC News
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