The Steam Packet’s flagship the Ben-my-Chree recorded a technical reliability record of over 98% in 2019.

Figures from the past 14 months show she had a punctuality record of more than 94% and completed 1,491 sailings from January 2019 though to the end of February 2020, with her main engines accumulating more than 12,000 running hours.

She also travelled approximately 83,044 miles in 2019 with a technical reliability record of 98.94%, and only two cancellations due to technical issues.

Ben-my-Chree operates services throughout the year, including twice daily sailings to Heysham. Between April 20 and May 6, she will undergo her annual scheduled overhaul, which will include the testing of equipment and safety checks.

When Ben-my-chree goes into dry dock, fast craft Manannan, which will resume her usual seasonal services on Friday March 27, will operate return morning sailings to Heysham to minimise disruption for passengers.

Chief executive Mark Woodward said: ’The Ben-my-Chree continues to be a reliable vessel which serves our Island well and these figures highlight her value.’