The Steam Packet has confirmed plans to bring its former flagship up to modern standards.
Ben-my-Chree will undergo a refit ahead of her being used on new expanded routes between the island and Ireland.
A spokesperson said the work will ensure “all of the public areas on the company’s vessels meet modern standards” and follows Manannan’s lounges having been refurbished through the winters of 2023/4 and 24/5.
They added: “The company is making further investment in the success of the new schedule by planning a substantial interior refurbishment of Ben-my-Chree to modernise the public areas and enhance facilities for passengers using the routes to Ireland.”
At the government conference earlier this year MD Brian Thomson signalled plans for a refit of the Ben, which the company had wanted to sell, with him saying it would be carried out at the end of this year or early next year.
The Ben-my-Chree is currently on a charter to Stena Line and has also been sub-chartered to Irish Ferries to help with services between the UK and the island of Ireland.