French warship Clemenceau on Monday resumed its final journey to a ship-breaking yard in Gujarat after bad weather had stalled its departure by 24 hours.

Environmental groups have protested against the French government's decision to send the ship to India, where it will be dismantled.

The 24,200 tonne ship, which no longer has a power plant, was hooked up to a Dutch tugboat and will be towed to the world's largest ship-breaking yard in Alang, Gujarat.

Five French tugs towed Clemenceau from the Toulon harbour as boats formed a cordon to prevent interference from campaigners, but stormy weather prevented the Dutch tugboat from taking control.

Greenpeace and three other groups have tried for months to block the transfer, saying workers in India are not properly protected from the hazards of working with asbestos, which can cause fatal lung diseases.

The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle replaced Clemenceau in 1997.