HEYSHAM Port Ltd’s no 3 linkspan experienced a technical failure on Monday (28 May 2007).

As a result the Steam Packet has had to alter the proposed timetable for their two freight vessels. The Ben-my-Chree and the Superseacat Two will operate on their existing schedule.

Hamish Ross, managing director of the Steam Packet company said: “The linkspan issue is outside of the control of the government and IOMSPC.  However we are hopeful the situation should ease over this weekend when other vessel traffic demands on slots will lessen.

‘In association with our colleagues at Heysham Port Ltd - whose assistance has been greatly appreciated - the IOMSPC will provide regular updates to the Department of Transport and our passengers.’

Hamish continued: “We are doing our utmost to ensure all visitors wishing to attend the races are brought over to the Island by sea on their expected date.  All vessels are operating normally at the moment.

‘To give an idea of scale – the company has 17800 motorbikes booked inbound compared to 9600 last year.

During the TT period we have over 200 extra sailings, 6 extra chartered vessels, 92,000 passenger movements and 46,000 vehicle movements – as many vehicles as we carried in the first 20 weeks of the year.’

He added that out of 92,000 passenger movements around 5000 were adjusted last week – but the majority were from conventional craft reservations to fast craft with less overall travel time for customers.

Hamish concluded: ‘As previously stated 8 vessels will be involved in our TT services including the Ben my Chree, Emeraude France, P & O Express, Stena Caledonia, Riverdance, Hoburgen, Phocine and Superseacat Two.

‘TT 2008 has not been affected by these issues. In less than 24 hours we have had over 400 passenger bookings and 224 motor cycles booked to return next year.’

The Steam Packet Company, the Isle of Man’s trusted carrier since 1830.