New Vessel, Manxman – Frequently Asked Questions
This page was last updated 03 February, 2023
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s new vessel, Manxman, is due to reach Manx shores in 2023. Ahead of this major milestone, we’ve been answering some of the questions that are cropping up on social media and elsewhere.
For further information of Manxman’s progress to date, take a look at our Isle of Man Steam Packet: New Vessel Progress Blog, which is updated on a regular basis. If you still can’t find the answer you are looking for, please feel free to Contact Us.
Operational questions:
What routes will Manxman be operating?
Manxman is designed as a bespoke Ropax vessel to suit the needs of the IOM. This means we will mainly see the vessel used on the twice-daily Heysham sailings throughout the year. The flexible nature of Manxman’s design means as well as the vital round the year lifeline service to Heysham, she will also be able to undertake sailings to Liverpool during the winter season once the new terminal is online and also Belfast
Ben-my-Chree will remain part of the fleet providing vital strategic back-up, alongside the newly acquired MV Arrow. HSC Manannan will continue to provide the regular high speed craft service to Liverpool and ports in Ireland during the summer season.
What will Manxman’s crossing time be?
Services operated by Manxman will be broadly similar to Ben-my-Chree with an estimated crossing time of 3 hours and 45 minutes to Heysham.
What will Manxman’s speed be?
Manxman’s maximum speed will be determined by sea trials, which are due to take place before her delivery. She has been designed with excess power to have a service speed higher than Ben-my-Chree, but to operate more efficiently while carrying more passengers and more vehicles whilst having the ability to catch up on the planned schedule if there are unavoidable delays (see question 15, below, for more details).
South Korea to the Isle of Man
Why is a South Korean shipyard building Manxman?
In early 2020 the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s senior management team undertook a number of shipyard visits. Selecting a shipyard was one of the most crucial decisions of the shipbuilding process and required a careful and quantified approach. A number of factors were taken into consideration throughout the decision-making process to ensure the most suitable shipbuilder was selected, including relevant experience and the ability to complete the project as per the contract schedule.
Hyundai MIPO Dockyard in South Korea was selected at the end of this process. They are one of the world’s foremost shipbuilders, with a proven track record of delivering vessels on time, to budget and to very high quality standards. They have been contracted to carry out the entire build and fit out and will be delivering the vessel fully completed.
Delivery, in this context, means handing over the vessel to the Isle of Man Steam Packet crew at the dockside in Ulsan. It will then be the Steam Packet’s responsibility to sail Manxman back to the Irish Sea.
When will Manxman leave South Korea to start her voyage to the Isle of Man?
For vessel progress to date, take a look at our Isle of Man Steam Packet: New Vessel Progress Blog, which is updated on a regular basis.
We’ll be giving more details around Manxman’s voyage to the Isle of Man closer to the time, so keep an eye out on the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s website and social media channels to follow her journey to the Island.
How long will it take to sail Manxman to the Isle of Man?
It will take approximately 30 days via the Suez Canal.
What further work will be required to complete Manxman after delivery?
The contract with Hyundai MIPO Dockyard for the delivery of Manxman is a ‘Turn Key’ contract. This means that the vessel will be delivered completed and ready for the service which she is designed. There will be a few small items of ‘Owners Furnished Equipment’ to be installed after delivery to suit our operation, such as computers for our own internal systems and additional equipment for increased passenger comfort and experience.
When will Manxman be in regular Isle of Man Steam Packet Company scheduled service?
The aim is to have Manxman in service as soon as possible, but only once the Company is 100% satisfied that the vessel is up to its rigorous specifications.
Has the project run to schedule as per the original contract?
The Project experienced a setback when a failure was exposed during sea trials. Manxman is currently scheduled to finish fitting out on time, but acceptance into the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s fleet will be delayed until the Company is satisfied Manxman meets their rigorous specifications.
Ben-my-Chree
What will happen to Ben-my-Chree when Manxman is fully operational?
The Strategic Sea Services Agreement specifies the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company maintains the Ben-my-Chree as a reserve vessel.
The Steam Packet Company has also recently purchased the MV Arrow, a cargo ship that will further strengthen lifeline services and resilience for freight traffic, especially during events such as the TT, Manx Grand Prix and other peak travel periods.
Technical Specifications
Are there any limitations on which ports Manxman can use?
Manxman has been designed and built entirely to the Isle of Man Steam Packet’s specifications. Part of the initial design brief involved establishing parameters that would enable the new vessel to maximise dimensions whilst being fully compatible with all ports Isle of Man Steam Packet Company currently operate to and from, including a full mooring study by third party experts.
Why are there issues happening during the sea trials?
As part of this construction, the shipyard is required to conduct sea trials to test the function and safety of the vessel, under the supervision of IOMSPC and its agents. It is normal for these tests to be carried out over a number of separate sea trials and for a complex vessel such as Manxman can take around 240 total running hours to complete. Safety and reliability are priorities for the newly commissioned vessel, IOMSPC will not accept the vessel from the shipyard in any state other than perfect. Manxman must pass rigorous safety standards before it is delivered to IOMSPC. The company has a team on site in South Korea to oversee progress.
Prices
Will Manxman sailings be more expensive?
Firstly, in terms of costs to the customer: No. The introduction of a new vessel does not alter the Isle of Man Steam Packet’s pricing structure in any way. Prices are set in conjunction with the Department of Infrastructure and are regulated by the terms of the Strategic Sea Services Agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, any annual price increase is limited to August Manx Consumer Price Index (‘MCPI’) figures.
All standard Isle of Man Steam Packet Company offers will be available on Manxman sailings, as they would be on equivalent sailings operated by Ben-my-Chree.
Secondly, in terms of costs to the Steam Packet Company, successful operation of the vessel over its lifetime should result in savings for the Steam Packet Company through improved fuel efficiency in comparison to Ben-my-Chree under similar conditions.
Is Manxman a Government run project?
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Limited is 100% owned by Treasury, a Department of the Isle of Man Government. The Company is run at arm’s length and receives no form of Government subsidy. The Board, Executive, Management and staff of SPC are not employed by the Isle of Man Government. Manxman is being built to Isle of Man Steam Packet’s specifications, drawn up in line with the terms of the Strategic Sea Services Agreement.
Is the vessel being funded by Isle of Man Taxpayers?
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is wholly owned by the Isle of Man Government, with the shares held by the Treasury. Although some of the financing for the vessel has been arranged via the Isle of Man Government, the cost of the vessel will be borne by operating revenues of the Company. Therefore, the Isle of Man Taxpayer is not directly funding Manxman.
Who is paying for the Manxman project?
The ultimate parent and controlling party of IOMSPC is The Treasury, a Department of the Isle of Man Government. Manxman has been procured and paid for by IOMSPC with finance provided by The Treasury on arm’s length commercial terms. The finance and operating costs of the vessel will be met entirely from the operating profits of the Company, at no cost to the Isle of Man Taxpayer. The introduction of Manxman will have no effect on ticket prices which are set entirely by reference to Manx CPI in accordance with the Sea Services Agreement.
Who owns Manxman and who is responsible for funding/alterations?
IOMSPC has contracted Hyundai Mipo Dockyard to construct Manxman. IOMSPC do not currently own the ship and therefore are not responsible for carrying out testing and any alterations subsequently required. IOMSPC representatives are on-site in South Korea to work with the shipyard and its contractors to ensure the vessel is up to specification when it is handed over to IOMSPC in South Korea.
Other
How did you decide on the name Manxman?
The first SS Manxman was actually built by a competitor company – the Midland Railway – before being brought into IOMSPC service to replace First World War losses. The latest Manxman will mark the third ship in the Company’s history to bear the name, the last a turbine steamer launched in 1955.
The name was chosen by the Company after a public vote was held.
What facilities will be on board Manxman?
Please note, that while Manxman is being completed all details are subject to change.
How will Manxman’s accommodation offering differ from Ben-my-Chree’s?
The intention with Manxman from the outset has been to deliver improved levels of comfort and service over Ben-my-Chree, while retaining the older vessel’s reliability. A major public consultation took place at the start of the new build project, and many of the findings have been incorporated in Manxman’s build and fit out.
The most significant difference between Ben-my-Chree and Manxman is the ability to cater for more vehicles and passengers (approximately 10% lane metres more than BMC and around 300 more passengers). However, additional capacity is also matched with a greater range of facilities for passenger comfort and enjoyment.
When in service Manxman will boast three public lounges, each with bookable seats and different levels of service and facilities, an Executive Club lounge, forty cabins ranging from inside twin berths to outside cabins with balconies and double beds, a bar, restaurant and coffee shop, as well as an enlarged retail area.
How will Manxman cater for passengers with accessibility needs?
Manxman will have a range of facilities on board, including larger lifts from the vehicle decks, increased numbers of accessible cabins and toilet facilities, and an adult changing/toilet area with hoist. All public areas on the vessel are designed to be fully wheelchair accessible. In addition it is intended to install braille signage for users who experience visual impairment.
Will I be able to reserve seats on Manxman?
Please see this important note regarding accommodation and seating on Manxman
Many travellers who responded to the survey requested an increase in bookable seating, Manxman is designed to have three lounges with seats that can be reserved, each offering a different level of service and comfort.
The Niarbyl Lounge has over 250 forward facing seats compared to Ben-my-Chree’s 89 aft- or side-facing seats.
The Injebreck exclusive lounge is designed to offer pod-style reclining chairs and ambient lighting for passengers who like to get their head down on their crossing.
The Barrule Premium Lounge is intended to offer and welcoming and relaxed atmosphere with a mixture of sofas and armchairs. Passengers can also opt to take in the seaviews from side-facing airline style seating arranged by the panoramic windows.
Will I have to reserve seats on Manxman?
Manxman is designed with a range of seating that does not require any additional reservation.
How will Manxman cater for families with children?
Manxman’s designs include a dedicated family area, plus childrens’ play equipment.
What will the cabins be like on Manxman?
Manxman is set to feature a range of cabins, all fitted out to a high standard. Provision will range from inside cabins to outside cabins with balconies. There will also be accessible and pet-friendly cabins. In comparison to Ben-my-Chree, Manxman will offer approximately double the number of cabins.
How will pets be catered for on board Manxman?
The public response to the consultation highlighted a growing trend for travelling with pets. Manxman’s designed took this into account from the start, doubling pet lounge capacity in comparison to BMC, adding purpose-built kennels (with CCTV monitoring) and a dedicated exercise area for passengers travelling with pets. The two pet lounges are conveniently located at the top of stairways linking to the car decks, kennels and exercise areas.
What are Manxman’s green credentials?
Manxman will be powered by the world’s most efficient four-stroke diesel engine. Recognised for its high level of fuel efficiency which significantly reduces exhaust emissions, it will help us to deliver a far more sustainable and environmentally friendly operation overall.
The highly efficient generators sets will feed electric final drives, coupled to highly efficient propellors to ensure a vibration free crossing. Any excess electricity generated will be stored by the vessel’s on board batteries, which will be used during periods of higher demand, or while the vessel is alongside in port to reduce emissions.
How accessible is Manxman?
Manxman will have a range of facilities on board, including larger lifts from the vehicle decks covering all accommodation decks and outside space, which can be used at sea subject to limiting weather conditions, increased numbers of accessible cabins and toilet facilities, and an adult changing/toilet area with hoist.