Ferry passengers warned of changes to sailings

Some Manxman and Ben-My-Chree sailings are set to be rescheduled until 15 April

Ferry passengers have been warned of a number of changes to sailing times due to low water levels in Douglas Harbour over the next week.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company said departure and arrival times for the Manxman would vary between 15 minutes and two hours until Tuesday.

The government-owned ferry operator said the changes were needed to avoid the lowest water conditions in Douglas Harbour coincided with standard sailing times.

The Department of Infrastructure (DOI) has confirmed a five-day dredging programme in the would begin on 18 April.

The Steam Packet said as the conditions were "fluid" and timings could change as the week progressed.

There were expected to be "stronger effects" on weekend sailings, although not all crossings would be impacted, and passengers would be kept informed of changes to their scheduled sailing he said.

Passengers unable to travel on their original bookings due to the changes, full refunds or amends would be made, he added.

Dredging works are set to begin on 18 April

On 15 April the Ben-My-Chree, which requires the same level of clearance underneath as the Manxman, is set to operate sailings between Douglas and Heysham while the flagship vessel undertakes its annual Marine Evacuation System deployment exercise.

It follows the temporary grounding of the island's newest ferry on a mud bank in Douglas Harbour last month.

A DOI spokesman said the focus of the maintenance dredge would be on the number five berth, the tanker berth and a charted feature that required the use of specialist machinery.

The works would be undertaken by contractors, the department added.