The Steam Packet says the Ben-my-Chree completed 2017 with a reliability record of more than 99%.

Ben-my-Chree operates services throughout the year, including daily sailings to Heysham, seasonal crossings to Ireland and weekend services to Birkenhead during the winter months.

During the 2017 season, the Ben operated 1,375 sailings, travelling more than 83,000 miles. She had a 99.49% technical reliability record, with only seven trips cancelled during the year.

The Ben’s overall reliability dropped to 97.01%, once weather cancellations were taken into account. Her main engines accumulated 10,685 running hours.

Steam Packet chief executive Mark Woodward said: ’Once again Ben-my-Chree has served the island well and had a great reliability record during 2017, with very few cancellations due to technical issues.

’Disruptions were mainly caused by weather including storms Aileen, Brian and Caroline during the latter part of the year.’

The Ben-my-Chree is scheduled to go to dry dock for her planned biennial overhaul between April 17 and May 8, when £1.6m will be spent in various areas both above and below deck.

While she undergoes the overhaul, Manannan will operate the morning sailings to Heysham, departing at 8am and returning from Heysham at 12 noon.