Manxman’s return to service has been pushed back to late September 2026 after engineers uncovered significant wear inside the vessel’s propulsion system during its dry dock overhaul.
The Steam Packet Company says specialist teams removed Manxman’s propulsion shaft bearings as part of scheduled maintenance, only to find unexpected wear on both the bearings and the protective shaft liners. Those components can’t be inspected until the vessel is fully disassembled, and engineers now have a clearer picture of the repairs and machining work required.
The company says the complexity of the job, the need for specialist parts, and reliance on suppliers across the UK and Europe mean the vessel will remain out of action for several more weeks. It described the delay as “hugely disappointing” but insisted safety and long‑term reliability must come first.
Ben‑my‑Chree will continue to operate all Heysham sailings, while freight vessel Arrow arrives today to bolster capacity.
Steam Packet’s reservations team will contact passengers affected by cancellations or timetable changes. The company has apologised again for the disruption and thanked customers for their patience while repairs continue.
