The Steam Packet has provided more details behinds its charter agreement with Stena Line and its plans in the run up to Christmas.
As first reported by Manx.News, the Ben-my-Chree has been chartered to Stena to operate a Heysham to Dublin freight route while its Holyhead port is out of action.
A company spokesman confirmed that Manxman will operate as usual on the scheduled Heysham, Belfast and Liverpool services during the busy Christmas period.
The MV Arrow has also come back to serve freight runs from Heysham to Douglas.
The spokesperson added: “This provides strategic resilience in one of the busiest periods for Manx businesses, ensuring that lifeline services are delivered.
“The agreement to charter is compliant with Sea Services Agreement (“SSA”) requirements and includes the ability to recall Ben-my-Chree to Steam Packet service if required at any point.”
The Ben will operate with Stena Line for a minimum of 14 days, which began on December 16, with an option to extend further should this be required.
During this time, Steam Packet staff are crewing the vessel for the freight only service.
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