Ben-my-Chree temporarily taken out of service for essential maintenance

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company's Ben-my-Chree is to be temporarily taken out of service for essential maintenance, with the Manannan and Arrow stepping in to cover its sailings.

The vessel, which has been operating as a stand-in for the Manxman while the company's flagship undergoes repairs, will be taken out of action tomorrow morning (Tuesday) for urgent work required on its stern door.

The company said the daytime return sailing between Douglas and Heysham would now be operated by the Manannan, with the Arrow covering freight services.

The morning sailing from Douglas is scheduled to depart at 8am, with the return crossing from Heysham leaving at 1.45pm.

The Ben-my-Chree was retained in the Steam Packet's fleet as a back-up to the Manxman and has been operating return sailings to Lancashire since mid-July.

The Manannan's seasonal schedule is due to end on Wednesday, with a final return sailing to Larne in Northern Ireland.

The Manxman has been out of service since damage to its propulsion system was discovered during scheduled maintenance in September.

The vessel was subsequently taken to dry dock in Birkenhead for repairs, with its return to service still expected by the end of November.

The repairs involve work on the vessel's propulsion shafts, liners and bearings, following the discovery of abnormal wear.

Earlier today (Monday), Isle of Man Today reported that the Isle of Man Ship Registry has suggested the problems which have kept the £78m Manxman out of service may be down to a design flaw in the vessel rather than conditions in Douglas Harbour.