Back-up ferry to go out on charter for five weeks

The Ben-my-Chree was the Isle of Man's flagship passenger ferry until August 2023

The Isle of Man's back-up ferry will be away on charter for five weeks from next month.

The Ben-my-Chree will operate Stena Line services between Holyhead and Dublin and Fishguard and Rosslare between 4 November and 10 December.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company said the agreement included an option to recall the vessel back to the Isle of Man if necessary.

The former flagship ferry remains part of the Manx fleet as a back-up for the Manxman and carries out additional freight services following periods of weather disruption.

The Manannan's summer services to Liverpool finish on 26 October

The company said the charter was "compliant" with the Sea Services Agreement it has with the Manx government.

Following the Stena Line charter period, the Ben-my-Chree will go into drydock for planned maintenance ahead of returning to the island to provide cover during the Christmas and New Year period.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company's managing director Brian Thomson said the terms of the charter "put the needs of the lifeline service first, with Ben-my-Chree being able to be called back at any time to service the island as well as providing cover over the busy holiday period".

As part of its winter schedule, the Manxman will continue to operate services to Heysham in Lancashire as well as weekend trips to Liverpool.

The fast craft Manannan is set to carry out its final sailing of the summer season on 26 October before "entering its winter layup and maintenance period" ahead of returning to service on 27 March 2026.

The Steam Packet's back-up freight ferry MV Arrow remains on charter in the Channel Islands to Danish operator DFDS until March next year.