News

Steam Packet Company announces autumn schedule adjustments

18/8/2020

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has announced some amendments to Manannan’s autumn schedule for 2020.

Throughout COVID-19 and since the closure of the Manx borders in March, the Company has continued to operate twice-daily lifeline services between Douglas and Heysham. Since the easing of border restrictions, which saw the Island move from Level 5 to Level 4 in the Isle of Man Borders Framework in July, it has also operated additional services to Liverpool on fast craft Manannan.

With Government border restrictions still in place and the summer holidays drawing to an end in early September, the Company is adjusting its autumn 2020 fast craft timetables to reflect current demand. Effective from 4th September to 1st November 2020 inclusive, Manannan will operate a return fast craft service to Liverpool on Fridays and Sundays, while Ben-my-Chree will continue to operate twice-daily services to Heysham.

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘Throughout this pandemic, we have been dedicated to maintaining lifeline sea links between the Isle of Man and the UK, and have provided excess capacity throughout this period. From September, service frequency and capacity will remain well in excess of current demand levels, and there will be a choice of two to three sailings per day for Island residents to travel to the UK throughout autumn.

‘Any passengers affected by the autumn timetable adjustments will be contacted by the Company and given the option to transfer to another service or receive a full refund.’