The Steam Packet has reported a record high for passenger figures after carrying more than 680,000 people during 2025.
The total represents an increase of more than 8% on the previous year’s tally, with vessels travelling over 130,000 miles across 2,144 sailings.
In good news for passengers, the company has confirmed it will maintain its “Kids Go Free” offer throughout 2026, alongside a further 10% reduction on flexi fare prices.
But the company’s focus is on a major expansion of services, with former flagship Ben-my-Chree to be dedicated to the Ireland route following its first major interior refit in over a decade.
From late July, the vessel will sail three times weekly to Larne year-round until at least July 2028. The first sailings to the new port will begin in April using Manannan and Manxman, continuing through the TT period.
A total of 256 sailings are planned to and from Ireland for 2026, compared to just 108 in 2025.
The company added that all of its operations continue without public subsidy, financing day-to-day activities from its own revenues.
It repaid £5.2m in capital and £2.3m of interest during 2025 against a government-secured loan facility.
A public consultation into a new vessel to join the fleet in 2030 has now been completed, with the company stating it has “its eye firmly on the future and building a fleet and service the Isle of Man can truly be proud of, and one that will bring the widest economic and social benefits”.
(Read not a fast craft).