The Treasury Minister has told the House of Keys that the Ben-My-Chree works on a 12 hour notice time to be able to take over cancelled sailings.
This came about as Chris Thomas MHK questioned whether the Ben was actually able to cover the January 27 sailing had the Manxman not been able to sail following a technical problem.
According to the Treasury Minister, the Ben-my-Chree is on a 12hr notice, so she can go 12hrs after the first notification of cancellation of the other vessel.
The Steam Packet Company is Government owned, with the Treasury being the shareholder of the Company.,
Ben-My-Chree
The Hon. Member for Douglas Central, Chris Thomas asked the Treasury Minister, Dr Alex Allinson MHK “How the Ben-my-Chree can be used; and what plans the Steam Packet Company has to use her”.
Treasury Minister, Dr Alex Allinson MHK said that “as set out in the current sea services agreement the Ben my Chree can be used to cover the Manxmans schedule as a back up vessel if required, she is currently crewed and all staff undertake regular training exercises to ensure operational efficiency and that health and safety procedures are maintained”.
It is planned that work will take place in the future on the cabin crew accommodation of the Ben to convert her to be a live aboard vessel.
Currently the Ben cannot be assigned a regular service and this limits her availability as the Company’s back up vessel.
But looking into the future, the Company will look to charter her out, subject to the Sea Services Agreement.
At other times, no less than 96hours of notice.
However, he added it may be possible for the Ben to be hired out to various areas, particularly to support other Islands if she is needed there.
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