Main ferry out of action until late September

The Isle of Man main ferry will be out of action until late September for repairs, the operator has confirmed.

The Manxman has been in drydock since 13 July, with back-up passenger vessel the Ben-my-Chree carrying out sailings between the island and Lancashire.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company said wearing had been identified on the shaft bearings and associated shaft liners, which protect the vessel's main propulsion shafts.

The firm previously revealed that "essential" further works identified during the scheduled maintenance meant the vessel had not been able to return to service on 22 July as planned.

The government-owned ferry operator said inspections of the affected components – which could only take place once disassembly process was underway – had enabled engineers to work out what needed to be done and how long it would take.

Back-up freight vessel MV Arrow is set to return to service this week to support the firm's cargo operations.

Repairs were now under way, the Steam Packet said, but the "complexity of repairs, dry docking facilities and the logistical challenges" of securing components and support meant the vessel "will not return into service until late September 2026".

The firm said while it was "of course hugely disappointing news", its "overriding priority is focused on working with the specialist engineers to complete these essential repairs safely and to the highest standard, ensuring Manxman's long-term reliability and performance".

In the interim, the firm said the Ben-my-Chree would continue to operate all sailings between Douglas and Heysham.

The vessel had been due to take over as the Steam Packet's sole vessel on the Larne route earlier this month.

The fast craft Manannan remains scheduled to operate daily sailings on the Liverpool route through out the summer season.

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