We understand that the extension of Manxman's dry dock programme may affect customers' travel plans. To help keep everyone informed, this page below provides the latest updates in one place.
Steam Packet confirms temporary November schedule ahead of Manxman's return
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is making a number of temporary changes to its published schedule for sailings to Larne and Heysham as it targets a November return to service for flagship Manxman.
To provide continuity of service and minimise disruption to passengers and freight customers, the Company is making changes while maintaining all current routes to Larne, Liverpool and Heysham, currently operated by a combination of Manannan, Ben-my-Chree and freight vessel Arrow.
As in previous years, Manannan will finish her seasonal sailings on 4 November before entering her winter lay-up. This year that transition falls while Manxman is still completing repairs, so for a short period the Company will run a reduced schedule. Ben-my-Chree will operate a modified Larne, Liverpool and Heysham schedule until the end of November, or until Manxman’s return to service, whichever is sooner.
The changes are: Larne — the Wednesday return sailings on 11, 18 and 25 November are cancelled. The current Friday and Monday sailings move to Thursday and Sunday overnight sailings to maintain the route’s connectivity.
Heysham — the Thursday and Sunday overnight Ben-my-Chree passenger sailings are cancelled (six return sailings in total). Freight services will be maintained by Arrow, sailing overnight to Heysham on Thursdays and Sundays.
Any passenger whose booking is affected will be contacted directly by the Steam Packet Company Reservations Team, in travel-date order, and assisted with alternative arrangements. Where no suitable alternative sailing is available, passengers will be entitled to a full refund. The Company has a dedicated Manxman information and Q&A page on its website and will publish updates every week until the vessel returns to service, or sooner when there is news.
The High-Speed Craft season typically runs from late March to around the end of October, subject to prevailing sea and weather conditions in the Irish Sea. Manannan operates to a limiting significant wave height of 3.0 metres. She will therefore be taken out of service as planned for winter, but will remain available as a reserve vessel, sea and weather conditions allowing.
