The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has enforced its height limits for commercial trailers travelling on the Ben-my-Chree due to damage concerns, Isle of Man Today understands.

The vessel is currently operating freight services between Heysham and the Isle of Man, with flagship Manxman in dry dock undergoing repairs.

Isle of Man Today has been told that freight companies are now unable to use trailers higher than 4.8 metres on the Ben-my-Chree, with the established restriction being enforced following ‘several instances of damage’ to the vessel’s fire hydrant system.

Without a functioning fire hydrant system, the Ben-my-Chree would have to be taken out of service due to safety reasons.

As a result, the Steam Packet has decided trailers higher than 4.8 metres, which were previously being allowed onto the vessel as exceptions, pose ‘too high a risk’ given its ‘current situation’.

A Steam Packet spokesperson said: ‘The issue is some trailers exceed the vessel’s deck height restrictions and cannot be loaded without risking damage to the ship.

‘We have been actively engaging with all freight customers.’

The Steam Packet recently moved to reassure businesses and consumers that freight supplies to the island were continuing to move as normal while the company’s freight vessel Arrow remained in dry dock.

It said teams on board its vessels and ashore were working to ensure continuity of freight deliveries, with the Ben-my-Chree operating scheduled services while also accommodating additional freight demand.

The Arrow entered dry dock at Cammell Laird/Balaena in Birkenhead earlier this month after an oil leak was identified in one of the vessel’s controllable pitch propeller systems.

Repair work was expected to take five working days and the Arrow was due to return to service on Sunday (August 16).

A spokesperson from the Steam Packet commented: ‘The Arrow is back in operation, supporting Ben-my-Chree and ready to provide additional freight capacity and operational support during the busy Manx Grand Prix period, helping to ensure the continued reliable movement of goods to and from the island.

‘The company would like to thank its freight customers for their patience and understanding while the vessel was out of service.’