The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company says an important milestone has been reached in the work to return the Manxman back into service.
The vessel is in dry dock in Birkenhead, as efforts continue to have the vessel back on routes.
In an update, a spokesperson said: “Work continues to progress on Manxman, with another important milestone reached in our efforts to return the vessel to service.
“Port side replacement shaft bearings arrived this week from Hamburg and have now been delivered to the vessel, alongside engineers from the bearing manufacturer.
“The remaining bearings should be delivered early next week.”
The spokesperson explained: “These components are required for the propulsion system reassembly and will enable the specialist teams to progress into the next phase of work.”
On November 9 a crane was used to lower the shafts into position in the dock bottom, in preparation to carry out the “careful process” of reassembling and aligning the shafting system.
Further Step
“The arrival of these key components represents a further step forward in returning Manxman to service,” said the spokesperson.
The Steam Packet has been targeting the end of November for a return to service for the Manxman, which has been out of action since the summer.
It was after problems of wearing were discovered on propulsion shafts and associated components during a routine inspection in July.
The affected shafts, liners and bearings were removed and sent to a specialist engineering firm in Denmark for repairs.
