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Back-up ferry to cover Heysham services for two weeks

BBC The bow of the Manxman ferry moored in Douglas Harbour. It is a white vessel with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company's logo on the side, which features a white three-legs-of-Mann symbol in a red circle with a black band around it featuring the company's name in white lettering.BBC
The Manxman is set to be out of service from 29 September

Ferry services between the Isle of Man and Lancashire will be carried out by the back-up passenger vessel while the Manxman undergoes repairs and berthing trials.

The flagship ferry is set to go into dry dock for maintenance and permanent repairs to damage caused when entering Heysham Port last month.

The vessel will then carry out berthing trials at the new government-funded ferry terminal in Liverpool ahead of its first passenger journey on 9 November.

Those activities will see the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company's Ben-my-Chree carry out services on the Heysham route between 29 September and at least 13 October.

The Ben-my-Chree, which features the white, red and black colours of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company along with it's logo on the side. The vessel also features the firms website address of STEAM-PACKET.COM in white lettering on the side.
The Ben-my-Chree will be taking passengers to and from Heysham until at least 13 October

The ferry firm said the Manxman's dry dock period would be used to "undergo a comprehensive inspection of all parts of the vessel and complete a number of warranty items including inspection of the underwater areas and bow thrusters".

In addition, a permanent repair would replace the temporary fix put in place after the vessel hit the pier while docking in the Lancashire Port during high winds on 21 August.

The government-owned ferry firm said the berthing trials planned at the new Liverpool facility were a "mandatory procedure" ahead of the start of the vessels weekend winter services to the port.

The exercises would see the vessel "approaching and mooring on the new berth at varying states of tide, river and weather conditions", it said.

ISLE OF MAN GOVERNMENT The Manannan docked at the new ferry terminal in Liverpool. The vessel is in the Steam Packet colours of white, red and black and it has the logo on the top of it's stern. The three-legs-of-Mann symbol can be seen on the terminal buildings.ISLE OF MAN GOVERNMENT
The Manannan also undertook berthing trials prior to carrying out summer Liverpool services

Managing director Brian Thomson said the safety was the "top priority" and the firm was "committed to maintaining the highest standards for all our vessels".

He said: "By carrying out regular maintenance, we ensure Manxman operates efficiently and safely, particularly in preparation for the start of its new operations to Liverpool.

"We are also pleased to be able to carry out berthing trials in Liverpool and look forward to Manxman starting its service to the city for the first time."

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