More than 8,000 people and organisations responded to a survey that will go towards designing the Steam Packet’s new flagship vessel.

Undertaken by Island Global Research, the survey ran from the middle of November until late last week.

Its aim was to identify which on-board facilities and services are considered most important to passengers to help the Steam Packet prioritise as it looks to upgrade its fleet, and to gain a better understanding of passengers’ general travel preferences and views about current on-board facilities.

Chief executive Mark Woodward said the company had been ’overwhelmed with the positive response to this survey’.

Mr Woodward added: ’Customer feedback is something we value greatly, and I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to share their personal experiences and preferences.

’While there are many technical considerations that need to be factored in when designing a new vessel, one of our top priorities is ensuring it meets the needs of our passengers and the results of this survey will form an important part of that.’

The new flagship vessel is due to be commissioned within the next two to three years and its delivery by the end of 2022 is a requirement for the company under the sea services agreement which was passed by Tynwald earlier this year.