The Ben-my-Chree will operate an enhanced schedule to Ireland as part of the Steam Packet’s new timetable for 2026/27.
It will be the first time in over 15 years that the company has operated a regular three vessel schedule outside of TT.
The company’s new timetable for 2026/27 will go on sale from tomorrow.
The schedule will see the Ben-my-Chree deployed on a significantly increased service to Ireland, with five weekly sailings to Dublin and Larne in peak season.
This move is designed to free the Manannan and Manxman to increase sailings on core routes.
Sailings
The Manannan will feature additional daytime Liverpool sailings through summer, while the Manxman will focus on the Heysham route.
The Steam Packet has also responded to the popularity of the winter Liverpool day trips and increased the number in the schedule with Manxman running weekend sailings between November and the end of March.
To ensure this doesn’t unduly impact freight patterns, Ben-my-Chree will be used to provide support to Manxman on the Heysham route.
Throughout the off-season Ben-my-Chree will provide a regular connection to Ireland with three sailings a week to Larne.
Fares
The company is also extending its 10% off Flexi Fares and Kids Go Free initiatives to support growth while a substantial interior refurbishment of the Ben-my-Chree is also planned.
Managing Director Brian Thomson said: “Following on from the pricing initiatives unveiled last year, the growth in ferry travel has been very positive. We’re committed to supporting a growth agenda for the Isle of Man and we feel this is the good use of our resources to do that.
“My team has worked very hard on pulling together the business case for the increased services to our neighbouring islands and we want to make a success out of this. We, as a Company, are investing heavily in growing our business and, as a result, the economic and social opportunities for the Isle of Man.
“What I would say though, is this is a case of use it or lose it. We cannot, as a company, afford to back an initiative that loses money over the long term.
“We’re making a two-year commitment to the new routes to Ireland today. We’ll be giving it our best shot and we’re looking for support from the business community and residents of the Isle of Man to make sure it succeeds.”
The full schedule will be available on the Steam Packet website from 9:30am on Friday.