The Steam Packet Company has said there are a ‘small number of outstanding snagging items’ being addressed following concerns raised about the quality of the Ben-my-Chree’s recent refurbishment.
Questions were raised on social media after a passenger shared photographs of the vessel’s interior, appearing to show missing lights and panels.
The passenger also raised concerns about a lack of space for wheelchair users, the condition of toilets and the comfort of seating onboard.
The Ben-my-Chree is currently operating Heysham sailings while the Steam Packet’s flagship Manxman remains out of service during an extended dry dock period.
A Steam Packet spokesperson said the company was aware of the comments and images shared online.
‘We are aware of the comments and photographs shared on social media relating to Ben-my-Chree’s recent refurbishment,’ they said.
‘As with any project of this scale, there are a small number of outstanding snagging items which are being addressed.
‘The issues shown in the photographs do not affect the vessel’s safe operation or service delivery.’
The comments come at a challenging time for the Steam Packet, with businesses already expressing concerns over the impact of the Manxman’s prolonged absence during the island’s late-summer tourism season.
The company confirmed last week that the flagship vessel will remain out of service until at least mid to late September after engineers discovered greater-than-expected wear to components linked to its propulsion system during scheduled dry dock maintenance.
The Manxman, which entered service in 2023, requires specialist repair and machining work before returning to service.
Hospitality leaders have warned that disruption could affect visitor numbers during the Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT period.
The Steam Packet has said Ben-my-Chree will continue to cover Heysham crossings, with fast craft Manannan remaining in service and freight vessel Arrow providing additional capacity on UK routes while repairs to the Manxman are carried out.