Isle of Man Steam Packet Company vessel Ben-my-Chree will re-enter passenger service from Tuesday (8th September), three days ahead of schedule.
She is due to return to the Island tomorrow (Sunday) following successful testing of both her propeller and steering systems after repairs to a damaged propeller were completed in dry dock in Falmouth.
After sustaining damage when entering Heysham harbour on 27th August, Ben-my-Chree underwent a detailed assessment by specialists and had not been expected to return to service until Friday 11th September.
However, repairs could be completed ahead of plan as the Steam Packet Company already had spare propeller blades in stock.
Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘I would like to thank our team for their efforts to ensure dry dock repairs were completed swiftly, along with the engineers and divers who initially inspected the vessel and the team at A&P shipyard in Falmouth who carried out the repairs.
‘While the measures we put in place meant Manannan was ready to cover passenger sailings for a longer period, Ben-my-Chree will once again be able to provide Heysham passenger services from Tuesday.
‘Any passengers affected will be contacted by the Company. I would like to thank our passenger and freight customers for their understanding during this short unscheduled dry-docking.’
