Isle of Man government to review ferry disruption

The Isle of Man government is planning a review of the "recent difficulties" experienced by island ferry operators.

The Steam Packet will be asked by officials to "identify the lessons to be learned" to avoid future problems.

Isle of Man freight services were disrupted in December due to severe weather and technical problems.

A government spokesman said: "It is the intention to engage with the Steam Packet as soon as practicable in order to review the recent difficulties."

He added: "The department is very pleased to acknowledge that because of the efforts made by the Steam Packet, its major customers and all of their staff... between 14 December and 16 December a total of 241 trailers and freight vehicles were shipped to the Isle of Man.

"This volume of freight met most of the needs of businesses and the public and created a window over the weekend (from) 16 to 19 December for Ben-my-Chree to dry dock".

The Ben-my-Chree freight vessel was back in service on 20 December after repairs at Cammell Laird shipyard.