The Steam Packet transported 37,941 passengers to the island during this year’s TT period, a notable drop compared with last year’s record-breaking figure.
Brian Thomson, Managing Director of the Steam Packet Company, said the TT remained a major event for the operator, adding that while numbers were “slightly down on last year’s record”, tens of thousands still travelled with the company.
The Steam Packet ran a three‑vessel schedule throughout the TT period to manage visitor, freight and racing related demand.
Manxman carried passengers, vehicles and event equipment, Manannan focused on high‑speed passenger services, with its mezzanine deck boosting motorcycle capacity and the Ben‑my‑Chree operated in freight‑only mode overnight, freeing up space on Manxman for visitor traffic.
Services ran across Heysham, Liverpool, Dublin and Larne, with operations continuing until June 11 to support returning visitors, competitors and officials.
Numbers Down
The company’s own comparative data shows this year’s inbound total of 37,941 is lower than both 2025 (39,469) and 2024 (37,808), reversing last year’s upward trend.
TT Inbound Passenger Totals (Steam Packet data):
- 2018: 33,799
- 2019: 35,913
- 2022: 34,624
- 2023: 34,071
- 2024: 37,808
- 2025: 39,469
- 2026: 37,941
A more detailed breakdown will be released once final figures are confirmed.
