The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company can confirm it has secured a charter for reserve vessel Ben-my-Chree this Autumn, following negotiations with a leading international ferry operator.
Ben-my-Chree will be on charter to Stena Line between 4th November and 10th December 2025.
The agreement to charter is compliant with the Sea Services agreement (“SSA”) and includes the ability to recall Ben-my-Chree to IOMSPC service if required at any point. Following the charter period, Ben-my-Chree will go into drydock for planned maintenance after which it will provide cover to the IOMSPC over Christmas and New Year.
Flagship Manxman will operate as usual on the scheduled sailings to Heysham over the winter period, as well the scheduled weekend sailings to Liverpool.
HSC Manannan is due to complete its final sailing of the 2025 season on Sunday, 26th October, before entering its winter layup and maintenance period. The first High Speed Craft sailing of 2026 is due to take place on 27th March.
It is anticipated that during the charter Ben-My-Chree will operate on the route between Holyhead and Dublin and between Fishguard and Rosslare, as required by Stena Line.
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Managing Director, Brian Thomson commented: ‘I’d like to thank my team for their hard work in securing this charter. The terms of the charter comply with the Sea Services Agreement and put the needs of the lifeline service first, with Ben-my-Chree being able to be called back at any time to service the island as well as providing cover over the busy holiday period.'
Arrow remains on charter to DFDS, operating in the Channel Islands. That charter runs until March 2026.
ENDS