The Steam Packet is cancelling some of its scheduled sailings to Larne and Heysham as it bids to have the Manxman back in action by November.
The extended period out of action for the flagship vessel has caused disruption for passengers over the summer.
Now, the Steam Packet has announced “temporary changes” to the published schedule, while it targets that November return. The fast craft Manannan is expected to have gone out of service before the Manxman is back on routes.
The changes are:
Larne — the Wednesday return sailings on November 11, 18 and 25, are cancelled. The current Friday and Monday sailings move to Thursday and Sunday overnight sailings to maintain the route’s connectivity.
Heysham — the Thursday and Sunday overnight Ben-my-Chree passenger sailings are cancelled (six return sailings in total). Freight services will be maintained by Arrow, sailing overnight to Heysham on Thursdays and Sundays.
Minimise Disruption
A company spokesperson explained: “To provide continuity of service and minimise disruption to passengers and freight customers, the company is making changes while maintaining all current routes to Larne, Liverpool and Heysham, currently operated by a combination of Manannan, Ben-my-Chree and freight vessel Arrow.”
This means that, “as in previous years”, Manannan will finish its seasonal sailings on November 4 before entering its winter lay-up.
“Ben-my-Chree will operate a modified Larne, Liverpool and Heysham schedule until the end of November, or until Manxman’s return to service, whichever is sooner,” the spokesperson said.
Any passenger whose booking is affected will be contacted directly by the Steam Packet Company reservations team. Where no suitable alternative sailing is available, passengers will be entitled to a full refund.
The Steam Packet said the high speed craft season typically ran until about the end of October. The Manannan operates to a significant wave height of three metres, so will be taken out of service for the winter, as planned, but will remain available as reserve vessel where weather conditions allow.
November Return?
The Steam Packet last week reiterated the hoped-for return of the Manxman at the end of November. The company has said it is confident the repairs being carried out will lead to a high level of reliability for the vessel.
Manxman entered dry dock for scheduled maintenance and inspections in July.
Shortly after, it was discovered the drive shafts, liners and associated components had experienced wear that required significant repair. This led to the delays to the vessel’s return to service.
