The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company will be operating from a new terminal facility at Albert Quay in Belfast, when the service starts on 5 April.
The new terminal benefits from a newly refurbished passenger lounge and includes generous car marshalling facilities.
With the Company’s new 96 metre fast craft, Manannan, entering service in the summer, the port facilities at Donegall Quay are no longer suitable. Manannan will be in service on the Belfast route during TT and the Manx Grand Prix, and the Company needed a terminal that would be able to accommodate the new vessel. Snaefell will be operating on the Belfast route for the remainder of the season’s Belfast schedule.
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive, Mark Woodward, said: ‘I am pleased to announce the opening of our new facility at Albert Quay and look forward to the start of this season’s sailings on the Belfast route. Passengers will benefit from the newly refurbished terminal and there is a significant increase in the vehicle marshalling area. In addition, the new facility provides us with the extra capacity and flexibility to accommodate our new fast craft, Manannan, when she covers some of the sailings for the Island’s key motorsport events.’
Joe O’Neill, the Port of Belfast’s Commercial Director, added: ‘Ferry services from Belfast to Douglas in the Isle of Man have been operating for as long as anyone can remember and we’re delighted to support the move to a more modern and convenient terminal. The Isle of Man is a popular tourist destination and the investment by the Port in a new facility reflects our ongoing investment programme to enhance services for travelers arriving and leaving from Belfast.’
The new terminal can be accessed via the Corporation Street entrance to the Port of Belfast.
