Concerns have been raised within the Isle of Man’s hospitality sector after the Steam Packet confirmed its flagship vessel, Manxman, will remain out of service until at least late September.
Andy Saunders, official spokesman for the Licensed Victuallers’ Association (LVA), said businesses were worried about the impact the extended dry dock period could have on visitor numbers, particularly ahead of the Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT.
The ferry operator said the components could not be inspected until the vessel had been dismantled, with specialist repair and machining work now under way.
While the company expects Manxman to return to service in late September, Managing Director Brian Thomson has said the focus remains on completing the repairs safely and getting the vessel back into operation as quickly as possible.
Mr Thomson also apologised to affected passengers and urged customers to ‘bear with us’ while the company works to maintain services using its remaining vessels.
Ben-my-Chree is continuing to operate Heysham sailings, while freight vessel Arrow has returned to support cargo services and Manannan remains in operation.
Mr Saunders, who also owns Quids Inn on Douglas Promenade, said the news had caused concern across the hospitality trade.
‘We are all very concerned to hear of the troubles with the Manxman,’ he said.
‘This summer has been very quiet outside of the major event times, these have been strong, and everyone is extremely worried that the Manx Grand Prix and the Classic TT will be majorly affected.’
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The Manx Grand Prix begins on Sunday, August 16, and runs until Friday, August 28.
Mr Saunders said travel disruption could have a wider impact on the island’s reputation as a visitor destination.
’It is a huge shame as the publicity the island is receiving about travel disruption is obviously affecting people's desire to come here, and we cannot tell the numbers of bookings we are losing before they are even made, due to this,’ he said.
He added that the Steam Packet needed to do everything possible to minimise disruption during the major motorsport events.
‘We hope that the Steam Packet can do everything in its power to make sure there are no disruptions for visitors for the MGP and Classic, as this event needs to grow again with its renewed schedule and any disruption will cause ripples in that.’
Mr Saunders also raised concerns about the recently launched Douglas-Larne ferry service, saying businesses were keen to see the route succeed while it remains in its early stages.
‘We also are concerned that the new Larne route may suffer, again a shame while in its infancy as it’s an area we all feel can lead to better numbers in the long term,’ he said.
He said feedback from visitors continued to highlight concerns around travel costs and reliability.
‘The feedback from visitors remains that travel costs are too high and that they worry about travel connections too often,’ he added.
‘Repeat visitors are commenting that the island is losing its appeal, it’s getting quieter by the year and that the atmosphere is suffering particularly in the early evenings and midweek periods.’
Mr Saunders said reassurance was needed from the Steam Packet and its shareholder that all possible steps would be taken to protect services.
‘We need reassurance from the company, and its shareholder, that they will move heaven and earth to make sure there is as little disruption to the schedules as possible,’ he said.
He also called for the next Isle of Man Government administration to review the way travel to and from the island is managed.
‘A new administration must look urgently at the mandate it is issuing to the Steam Packet and prioritise making travel as a whole to the Island more efficient and more cost effective,’ he said.