News

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is pleased to announce that Manannan, its new fast craft, is scheduled to leave Portsmouth on Friday 8 May and is due in Douglas at around 10.00 a.m. on Saturday 9 May.

The vessel has undergone a complete refurbishment which, it has been noted, is the largest conversion ever undertaken on an aluminium vessel anywhere in the world. The extensive work has included the construction of completely new aft accommodation and a much enlarged skylounge on the top deck, both of which have contributed to the vessel’s increased seating capacity of more than 800 passengers.

Given the comprehensive nature of the refit, Manannan has been completely updated to ensure that she complies with the most up-to-date safety requirements. The wide-ranging refit has been particularly challenging and the project team has successfully implemented solutions to a number of technical issues. Recognising the challenges it faced during the course of the project, the Company has applied significant resource and relevant expertise to the refit to bring the vessel into service in time for the busy TT and summer period.

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive, Mark Woodward, said, “I am delighted that Manannan will be arriving in Douglas soon and am sure that onlookers will be impressed as she appears in her Isle of Man Steam Packet Company livery. We hope the public will come to witness her arrival and share this moment with us. It is planned that Manannan will enter service on 22 May after she has undergone final trials and local finishing work. I feel certain that passengers will be impressed with the enhanced levels of comfort Manannan will bring.

This is an exciting time for the Island and all at the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, and I would like to thank all those involved in what has been an immense and challenging project. We are proud to be able to say that this has been the most extensive conversion of an aluminium vessel anywhere in the world, which gives some indication of the scale of the work undertaken. With seating for over 800 and a car deck capable of holding around 200 cars, Manannan provides significant benefits to the Island in terms of increased capacity and comfort. We look forward to welcoming passengers on-board.”