Officers in Southampton received reports of a suspected drink driver onboard Red Funnel.
The man was travelling from the Isle of Wight on Friday and concerns were raised about his behaviour onboard.
He was reported to be “heavily intoxicated”.
Upon arriving in the city, the man drove off in his fan but was soon intercepted by police.
A roadside breath test was carried out and he blew 133 at the roadside – nearly four times the legal limit.
Officers then discovered two large kitchen knives on the dashboard “within reach of the driver’s seat”.
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A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary shared the following on social media: “Drink driving puts everyone at risk and will not be tolerated.
“At custody, the male completed an evidential breath test procedure, where he blew 149. This is over 4 times the legal limit.
“For some to drink this much and to then think it is acceptable to drive, putting everyone else at risk, is a highly dangerous and selfish move.
“The male will spend the night with us to sober up and will then be interviewed tomorrow.”
The force confirmed a 52-year-old man from Harrow was arrested on suspicion of driving a motor vehicle when alcohol level above limit and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.
He remains in custody while enquiries continue.